Morality & Relationships #1: Gender Roles

Question 1

Describe religious views on gender roles (6)

Answer 1

1. men and women made on day 6 in Genesis 1
   - this means they may believe there is no need for distinct roles in family/ church based on gender
2. Jesus had many important female friends, so we should treat them with respect
   - Mary Magdalene, the first to see Jesus after he resurrected
3. Could be argued Adam and Eve shows women are not equal
   - eve is the temptress who causes fall on humankind

Question 2

Describe traditional gender roles (6)

Answer 2

WOMEN
1. careers in caring positions
- eg nursing, teaching
2. May be expected to bear children

MEN
1. breadwinners who are to work and provide for family
2. Undertake careers in stereotypical fashion due to physical + biological strength
- eg labour, engineering

Question 4

Describe moral issues arising for gender roles (4)

Answer 4

1. glass ceiling: women can see top jobs such as managerial positions, cannot break glass to reach them
2. sexism: big issue, may lead to some believing women do not deserve equal treatment
3. stereotyping: women judged on way they look and act
   - attractive, blonde, unintelligent, etc

Question 5

Describe the impact of gender roles on society (6)

Answer 5

STABILITY IN THE WORKPLACE
1. Traditional gender roles may provide stability in the workplace
- this means that if everyone knows what is expected of them, they can specialise in areas they naturally excel
- men may be inclined to physically demanding jobs, women may be inclined to nurturing roles

LIMITS THE WORPLACE
1. On the other hand, traditional gender roles may limit the workplace and opportunities
- this means that individuals may be prevented from full career advancement and professional/ personal growth by confining them to stereotypically assigned jobs
- man seen as ‘natural leader’ due to gender alone, may prevent equally qualified women from being considered for leadership roles

Question 6

Do Gender roles have a place in society? (8)

Answer 6

YES
1. Some may feel it is their right/ duty to conform to gender roles
- eg. Women may believe they are only to be housewives, so they don’t seek a job
2. Many believe they are supported by scripture
- eg. Ephesians 5: 22-23: “wives, submit to your husbands.”

NO
1. Gender roles are outdated, sexist, and limit people’s potential
- eg. Unfair that woman’s place is only in house, and man should be breadwinner
2. Long standing gender stereotypes have resulted in “toxic masculinity” and high suicide rates amongst men
3. Gender roles and society has changed, as many do not identify as man or woman

Question 7

Does religion support traditional gender roles? (8)

Answer 7

YES
1. Christianity does not support gender equality as women are not able to reach the same level as men in the church
- eg. Women cannot become priests or popes
2. Many quotes in bible which seem to oppose gender equality for women
- eg. Ephesians 5: 22-23: “wives, submit to your husbands”

NO
1. Jesus had many important friendships with women, so we too should treat women with equality and respect
- eg. Mary Magdalene, the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection
2. Many quotes in the bible which support gender equality and oppose prejudice
- eg. Galatians 3: 28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave for free, male nor female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ.”