Rigid Gender Roles -- Enemies of the New Intimacy

Living within traditional male and female roles in committed relationships is currently undergoing significant scrutiny. Whether in straight or gay relationships, what was once the established status quo of the male role as dominant and protective, and the female role as supportive and adaptive, is rapidly transitioning. Despite these evident cultural changes, not all relationship partners are yet on board. Some people still define "manly" males as partners who take the lead, make the majority of major decisions, and provide perspective and protection. And, of course, the reciprocal. The desirable female role is that of an eager launching pad, a master of quiet efficiency, with a joyous willingness to do whatever is needed to keep the relationship harmonious. And why would there be any need to change those roles? Haven't they created the most successful relationships in the past? That may have been true at one time. But, when long-term relationship commitment was established far back in history, people had an average life-span of thirty-five years. That span of average lifetime years had only progressed to fifty years at the beginning of the 20th century. "Hunters" and "gatherers" made for a very clear establishment of separate roles for men and women, with few of any other options available. The current divorce rate, hovering at around 50 percent for new marriages and more than that for second and third ones, clearly tells us that whatever may have worked before is no lon...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news