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How do historical events impact current attitudes towards gender equality in different societies?

Wylie Mallebone

Historical events play a pivotal role in shaping our attitudes towards the fundamental issues that affect society. This is especially true when it comes to how people view gender equality. The struggle for gender equality is one of the most significant historical events that has impacted multiple societies across the globe in different ways. Even though considerable progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving gender equality. This is because historical attitudes towards gender roles have shaped the current beliefs that have not changed significantly over time.

Although it's different from place to place, the impact of historical events on attitudes towards gender equality can be seen in numerous societies. The way in which gender roles and expectations have been defined and performed shape people's beliefs and attitudes on different issues. This is because traits such as power, leadership, competitiveness, concern for others, and emotional expressiveness have been assigned to a particular gender. Women have been seen as passive, emotional, and nurturing, while men are believed to be strong, aggressive and ambitious.

In some societies, the traditional gender roles were based on the assumptions of the women being domesticated and place limits on their ability to participate in certain activities and professions. The historical event that has played a significant role in shaping these traditional gender roles is the industrial revolution. During this period, the primary role of women was to serve as caregivers, wives, and mothers, while the men were the breadwinners of their families.

These traditional gender roles have far-reaching impacts on current attitudes towards gender equality in some societies. For example, in some Middle Eastern and Asian societies, gender roles are deeply entrenched in their culture. Women are expected to be submissive and obedient to male members of society, and their primary role is to be caregivers and wives. The primary role of men is to provide for their family, and they have more opportunities for leadership roles, this has led to a significant gender gap in terms of access to education and employment.

However, it is important to acknowledge that historical events have also had a positive impact on gender equality in other societies. Countries that underwent a feminist awakening, such as Sweden and Canada, had more progressive attitudes towards gender equality than other nations. The feminist awakening was sparked by historical movements such as the suffragette movement, which allowed women to gain the right to vote, and the second wave of feminism, which sought to address issues such as reproductive rights and sexual violence.

In conclusion, historical events have a significant impact on attitudes towards gender equality in different societies. In some societies, traditional gender roles have been deeply entrenched in their culture, limiting opportunities for women. However, in other societies where feminism has been more prominent, there have been significant strides towards gender equality. It's essential to continue to address the historical attitudes that shape current beliefs on gender roles to achieve true gender equality. We must continue to work towards creating a world where gender does not limit an individual's potential or opportunities, and both men and women participate in society at all levels.