As your gender, do you feel like you HAVE to do things your gender is "supposed" to do?

Question

So, for example, it's highly unlikely that a guy will ever give birth. I mean, I don't even know if it's physically possible for us to, so, obviously it's basically a "womans thing".

However, that doesn't mean she HAS to, right? I mean, I get that republicans are basically forcing women to have kids these days but, that shouldn't mean it's right

I don't want kids, and I'm a man, but, that's aside the point. My point of my question is, do you feel like you HAVE to do the things your gender "GENERALLY" does

blueonblack22 · Accepted Answer

“I mean, I get that republicans are basically forcing women to have kids these days…”

Great way to sneak your political bias in what could have been a very good non-political question. Really nice job.

Anyway no one is “forcing” anybody to confirm to gender roles in western society and to argue otherwise is ludicrous. Just spend some time in the Middle East, Dagestan or even Southeast Asia (which I’ve visited) and there see very real and very rigid gender roles. Even neighboring countries like Mexico still have more traditional culture when it comes to gender roles.

But gender roles or not I just have one simple question: is either gender seriously happy and fulfilled when they are playing the opposite role? Are masculine women known for being happy? Same with feminine men. Do they fulfilled and confident in who they are?

Sure there have always been masculine acting women and feminine acting men (feminine men have it harder then most in my opinion). Nothing wrong with that. Neither should be bullied/discriminated against but they shouldn’t be “celebrated” either.

But in reality only a small percentage of the population really acts this way. A larger percentage of the population is impressionable to social engineering which have been hijacked in the last 10-15 years with false promises of “freedom” and happiness. Instead the newer generation only has been experiencing misery, psychosis, mental disorders, loniliness, etc. And misery loves company. So they keep encouraging others to be like this to “feel better” about themselves. No wonder singlehood rates are at horrifying record highs, especially for young men.

Also about your claim that “pregnant woman are neither forced to give birth by republicans”. Ah the whole overturning of Roe vs Wade was about giving the power to the states to allow them to determine abortion laws. Federal bureaucrats in Washington DC should not be dictating that to the entire nation. California should not being telling Texas what to do or vice versa.

A pregnant woman in a red state can travel to a blue state to have her abortion if she wants to.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Accepted Answer

Well, yes, because I live in an organized society, expecting me and everyone else to conform to the multiple categories I belong to in the system. So I have to conform to my gender, sex, religion, social class, culture, social rules blablabla and if I don't, I'll get punished by my peers or my own mind, one way or another.

Ez-Bri-Z_v2 · Accepted Answer

Not really. I mean, I really have never bought into the gender role idea anyway. That doesn't mean I don't do what's typically considered feminine, but I just hate that it's gendered so much.

MemeSupreme · Accepted Answer

subconsciously sure i think everyone does that with social standards to some degree

Screenwriter · Answer

I had a child because I wanted to give a child the opportunities my parents gave me, and I'm glad I had him.

However, outside of THAT, I've not felt I had to do many feminine things. I like having a nice home and I like taking care of it, but that means I've caulked windows, changes windowpanes and painted my own interior and exterior of my home. This is because I had a fix it father who taught me how to do these things and I appreciated what he did for my family.

I can putter around a car a bit and know how to change oil and a tire and wash my car regularly. But I also know how to sew and cook and I keep a vegetable garden and some flowers. I'd say I'm androgynous and I think the most reasonable people choose the best of what they like to do, no matter the genderfication of what that task might be.

I do what makes me happy. It makes me happy to fix things to the best of my ability, I love to paint a room as well as paint a watercolor. I also do what I'm good at.

Don't care if men do it, or women do it. If it's satisfying and gives me a kick/thrill/joy, don't care if gorillas are doing it. I'm there.

EzraIsShy76028 · Answer

I mean technically not, but if you don't follow gender roles there could be consequences and judgement from others. I guess it also depends on where you live. Some areas have a greater variety of people, while some areas just have people who all share the same general beliefs. I guess a liberal vs conservative type of thing here.

A man who is feminine will definitely be judged quite a bit harsher than a woman who is masculine. Being a masculine woman is no walk in the park either, but people generally have at least a modicum of respect for masculine women. That respect is just not there for feminine men.

This sort of thing even shows in children's TV shows. A tomboyish masculine girl is basically just seen as a "tough, cool, and fun" girl to be around. Perhaps even better than feminine girly girls in some cases. While a feminine boy is basically just comic relief. A boy who wears a wig or a dress or whatever, but no one takes him seriously and thinks he's ridiculous.

As for me personally, living in an area that's a mix of liberal and conservative, my answer is a mix of yes and no. If I break from gender roles only slightly then people won't mind too much. But if I break them in a more explicit way then I could definitely get some judgmental stares from people, though also some support from people who feel the same way I do.

MisterWack · Answer

No. I have self confidence to like what I like, and believe women & men should stop this mentality they have to act a certain way, be a certain way, play roles others scream at them, and be someone they aren’t when it comes at the cost of their mental, emotional, physical well being.

You be you. You could dance to pop music, you could tackle guys on the American Football field, you can bake, you can game, you can paint, you can wear clothing that you want to wear because it looks good and feels good on your body also brings out confidence that you never felt before, get your hair done, get your nails done, YOU WILL BE YOU, so let others be them. Thank You!

I can talk about the “masculine” things I enjoy and the “feminine” things I enjoy, though that would defeat the purpose. Let this be a message to what stands out and speaks to you on a deeper or surface level. I wish you enjoy life and be the best you, that you can be. God Bless and carry on.

Babygirl_S · Answer

I WANT TO do those things and I’m looking for a man and a safe place where I can do so. Currently, I’m literally surrounded by corrupt people who ask for money for anything, even marriage! They aren’t even my type for me to pay them. Certain things that women HAVE to do aren’t my thing for example forgiving toxic behaviour. Women are expected to be forgiving and selfless but I am a human with feelings so it’s impossible to do that. There is a point beyond which it’s hard to tolerate that behaviour. There are men who even expect you to forgive physical and emotional abuse.

PBandJ_Nerd · Answer

Considering how I felt when I was a child & stuff, I'd say yes. It was only when I was 15 & older when I wanted to deviate from that. I know I do not have to do certain things or always conform, there can be a shade of gray & that's normal. Even if society is still stubborn in certain ways and doesn't want to admit it.

Mac-One · Answer

Most things don't have to be gender restricted. Sexual intercourse, impregnation, and child bearing are gendered by nature. Physical sports could be segregated by relative size and physical strength instead of by gender. Public restrooms, locker rooms, exercise facilities, and any other could be unisex as long as they have adequate privacy and safety for everyone. There is not any necessity to segregate clothing styles by gender; but possibly by physical characteristics.

Razp_Sorbet · Answer

I think there's still a bit of societal pressure to dress a certain way and act a certain way. I don't feel like I have to but I know there will be some people who judge if I dress masculine.

Massageman · Answer

Males and females. If you want to pilot a plane, either can do it. If you want to be a nurse, either can do it. Want to have a baby, leave that to the females. Why is this difficult?

Dongie · Answer

No. I have a renter and she is one heck of a maintenence guy yet hates to wash dishes. I am terrible at fixing things but don't mind washing dishes. And nobody's forcing women to get pregnant and have children. That would last about 10 seconds.

Nikki1989 · Answer

No, I have never felt like I needed to anything gender related at all.

LiamJHayden · Answer

You mean like registering for Selective Service till 26 under threat of arrest and stripping of rights?

NicholasRedone · Answer

Supposedly I'm supposed to be jacked 💪🏻 : I'm not jacked 🙂

grega239 · Answer

Yes because women still feel entitled to it for some reason

NathanDavis · Answer

no... I'm a grown up

Syrensdad · Answer

As a man I don’t have to do anything at all, but as a man I want to do the “manly” things I was taught, yes.

Anonymous · Answer

I have to spread my legs sometimes.

chocolatetwopointo · Answer

no ill do what i want

darkwing91 · Answer

I'm a man but I often don't feel like I am a guy

Anonymous · Answer

No. I don’t feel like that.

DrPepper12 · Answer

No. Full stop 🛑

HelpfulWoman · Answer

nah...

Anonymous · Answer

No, I'm against patriarchal stereotypes.

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

No, that’s just stupid

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

Nope.

Anonymous · Answer

No, I don't.

negis · Answer

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As your gender, do you feel like you HAVE to do things your gender is "supposed" to do?

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