Speaking of gender (#2 above), what do these authors show about the changing role of women at the turn of the century? How do they compare to earlier authors/characters? Explain the differences, do not just list them. If you do not see any differences, explain the similarities.
Role allocation in the society has been based on gender for a long time now. Many of the roles previously out of bound for women have been opened to them at the turn of the century. Some of the roles they performed in the early days are still the same roles they execute at the turn of the century. In traditional societies, women were restricted to home chores and rearing of children as the main role, they played in the society. This was based on their gender and capabilities as the best caring species in the human race. Women were tasked with nurturing the new members of the society to be able to implant the culture of the group into the new individuals. This role played by women has changed in the modern world as daily childcare institutions and house girls have taken over. Women are now in most cases highly occupied in the development of the economy as they hold important positions within the society. This makes it difficult for them to continue in the same role at the same time executing the new obligations. This shows the change of role allocation in the society at the turn of the century.
In another case of role change in relation to women, is their participation in the economy. The early writers noted that economy institution was a no-go zone for women. Men dominated this field as they controlled manufacturing and distribution processes within the economy. Women were left to run small businesses within the local market places. They never ventured in the critical part of the economy development at the highest level. Things changed at the turn of the century as noted by the modern authors. Women started venturing in business activities as they owned and ran business entities of their own and others. This was followed by numerous investments into the economy to boost the growth of the economy. This shows the shift on the gender based roles, as they no longer apply to women only but to the entire society. The positions are held based on the qualifications obtained from the opportunities offered in the society regardless of one’s gender.
Change of the educational opportunities has led to adjustment on the roles played by women based on their gender within the society. The early writers acknowledge that women were deprived of educational opportunities similar to their male counterparts. This led to the limited chances to serve the society at the highest level. This minimized their participations in important professions such as medicine, law, business and teaching. At the turn of the century, women started occupying these positions and performed different roles as demanded by the offices they occupied. This change of role allocation and execution offers something different to what was witnessed in the traditional societies. The other change of role is witnessed in the political institution of the society. Under this category, women were expected to act as voters and nothing more. Men held significant political positions, led various political movements and formed activist
Some roles played by women in the traditional societies are still the same roles executed by women at the turn of the century. Women were allocated feminine roles based on their gender. Within modern and traditional societies, women performed activities that are less physical in nature. In most cases, such roles that demand much physicality are still performed by men. Less demanding jobs like preparing meals, taking care of children and looking after the husband are still executed by women in the modern society. This illustrates little change on the role allocation and execution based on gender. In traditional era, women were restricted in their participation in religious activities. They played their part, which was designated as the masses. They never held important or significant religious positions, thus limited roles depending on their gender. Under this institution, women were considered weak and impure by other societies hence were not allowed to lead masses or administer sacrifices to the gods as prescribed by other religions. This situation changed at the start of the century. Women started occupying the significant positions in churches and other religious organizations. With this change came different or new roles and obligations, hence women underwent role adjustment to fit in the modern world.
In conclusion, the traditional roles allocated to women as depicted by the early writer underwent radical change at the start of the century. This is illustrated by the newfound roles for women in the modern world. They moved from child rearing, household chore performers, cooks, and little business operators to political activists, bishops/pastors, managing directors and business owners. This is based on the equal opportunities accorded to both men and women in relation to education. Individuals are allowed to pursue knowledge up to the standard they feel satisfy their needs/wants. There are no restrictions on the level of education upon which, women and men can draw limit. Introduction of institutions such as baby care centers and house helps/girls, has transformed the allocation and execution of roles within the modern society.
