Gender Roles in Brady’s and Theroux’s Works Essay

Introduction

At all times, certain ideas about gender roles have been circulating in society. The articles “Why I Want a Wife” by Judy Brady and “Being a Man” by Paul Theroux reveal the authors’ thoughts about the reality surrounding them. Thus, especially about how the adoption of gender norms in society significantly limits the opportunities for both men and women to express their individuality and freedom. These works allow readers to pay attention to how the situation has changed at the present time and how the perception of gender roles has been reshaped.

Judy Brady’s Perception on Gender Roles

In “Why I Want a Wife” by Judy Brady, the author seeks to draw attention to how a woman is actually perceived in society. Creating the image of a fictional “wife,” Judy Brady demonstrates to readers that a lot of everyday things are done by women. The author seeks to show that the position of “wives” in society is such that they essentially provide everything that men need (Brady). Consequently, this significantly restricts their opportunities for self-realization and financial independence. The gender role of women, based on this article, is manifested in the fact that they fill all the necessary needs of men so that they do not think about “unimportant” household chores (Brady). Such an attitude shackles women, as it is necessary to constantly solve many difficult tasks that take time and effort for self-development and implementation in society.

Paul Theroux’s Perception of Gender Roles

In the satire “Being a Man” by Paul Theroux, the author demonstrates to readers the essence of how a particular manifestation of masculinity is extolled in American society. Paul Theroux notes that the essence of men’s education is based on creating an exceptionally competitive environment where every boy has to go through a number of processes that should make him a man (Theroux 2). Moreover, the author notes that this is especially evident in the sport-art dichotomy. Giving an example of writing, Paul Theroux draws attention to the fact that the dignity of a good male author is determined in American society through their desire to prove their masculinity (Theroux 2). Thus, speaking about gender roles, it should be noted that the upbringing of men also contains a number of aspects that create a toxic atmosphere that does not allow men to show their sides of character that are not combined with the desire for competition.

Perspectives

In fact, the observations of these authors correlate to a certain extent with the current reality. However, the situation is changing rapidly as people are looking for new ways to express their own individuality. Consequently, there is a gradual departure from the established gender norms and rules. However, of course, residual manifestations of the phenomena demonstrated in the articles still find their representation in society.

Conclusion

Summing up, it should be noted that the articles “Why I Want a Wife” by Judy Brady and “Being a Man” by Paul Theroux draw the reader’s attention to rather subtle details regarding gender roles. The authors allow readers to understand that the existing principles of gender perception have a negative impact on the relationship between men and women in society. Thus, this is manifested in the fact that everyone finds himself in a particular limited position that does not allow self-realization.

Works Cited

Brady, Judy. “‘I Want a Wife,’ the Timeless ’70s Feminist Manifesto.” The Cut, Web.

Theroux, Paul. “Being a Man.” Sunrise with Seamonsters, Houghton Mifflin, 1985, pp. 1–3.