In today’s world it’s fairly common to have things called into question based on their relevance or suitability. I believe it’s a good thing that more and more discussions are had regarding subjects that may not have been widely talked about in the past.
The concept of gender roles is one that is constantly evolving, and these days we’re better than ever before – if still some way from perfect – at making it a level playing field for all in terms of equality where it relates to opportunities and the manner in which we treat one another.
That said, it wasn’t all that long ago that gender roles were far more fixed. There was certain things a woman simply wouldn’t be permitted to do, just as there were certain things a man wouldn’t have dreamed of doing for fear of scorn.
As I said, it feels like we, as a society, are working hard to tackle that with each passing year, but there’s still a lot to be done. At the very least, people are aware these days, and if you needed any proof of that, you need only look as far as a seemingly harmless picture that went viral recently… and drew an abundance of comments in the process.
Be honest now, how many of you believed that all doctors were men and all nurses women when you were little? I’m not ashamed to admit that whenever I pictured a doctor in my head as a child, he was always male. If I went to see the nurse, meanwhile, I’d anticipate being greeted by a female.
Once upon a time in history that really was the case, barring a few exceptions. The medical industry has, of course, adapted with the times, and these days you more or less have an equal chance of being treated by a male or a female when you see a doctor or nurse.
