Martene Gelle
Macarthur Girls’ High School
HD and the Gender Prize
“You want me to do the washing up too?”
A study into the recalcitrance of the traditional male gender role and the defeat of second wave feminism

At the initial stages of my PIP I was unaware of the influence traditional gender roles have had on the formation of gender stereotypes and the continuity of feminism; however there seems to be more to this than I initially thought. I came to realise that our socialisation from within the micro and macro world has had an adverse effect upon the continuity of feminism, which was trying to implement change throughout society and promote the ideology of ‘equality.’

Our socialisation of gender related norms, values, beliefs and actions continue to encompass characteristics of traditional gender roles, which have led to the return of the recalcitrant traditional male gender role throughout our lives. Women continue to struggle to ascertain higher managerial positions, juggle two distinctly demanding careers, to find a decreasing lack of government support towards the institution of childcare. It is no strange coincidence that feminism was facing an un-winnable battle, leading to its eventual defeat. Throughout my research I discovered that this was caused by society still clutching upon continuity, perpetuating and encouraging traditional stereotypes conflicting with change.

Conducting interviews with a diverse spectrum of women, men and teenagers, as well as hosting a focus group of older women enabled me to comprehend the effects the recalcitrant male gender role had on the personal experiences, values and beliefs of others. It was surprising to discover that all interviewees were of a similar opinion that as the authority of feminism was diminishing, the lives of women were becoming more difficult. Statistical data from surveys and content analysis proved extremely useful as it depicted the extent and influence traditional stereotypes had on our lives, promoting a gender infused identity, encouraging continuity rather than change.

As the power of the traditional male gender role returned, feminisms’ authority within society has faded. The effects of this transition is different for each individual depending on their personal situation, but as our socialisation continues to enforce traditional gender related values, feminism will continue to be overshadowed by the traditional male gender role. From this experience I have come to the understanding that the impact of the defeat of feminism and the recalcitrance of the traditional male gender role affects everyone differently and that no one is exempt of the implications it has upon society. If change is desired, it has to start from the home, as it is one of the most influential agents that shape who we are. Gender roles can only go so far, it is up to individuals to set themselves apart from the norm and do what they want to do - not what is expected to evoke change to traditional stereotypes.