Sarah Osguthorpe

Wendy T. Crapo, M.S.

FHS 2400: Marriage & Family Relationships
November 4, 2017
SWITCHING ROLES
QUESTION
To get a sense of the significance of gender roles, please respond to the following question. Would
you be a similar person if you were the other gender? Would your plans be different? What about
your activities, feelings, and goals? (If you run out of ideas to fill the page, try this. What kind
(style) of clothes would you wear if you were the other gender? Why is it acceptable for females
to act masculine, but not for males to act feminine?
______________________________________________________________________________
ANSWER
First off, I just want to say that when I read this option, I was thinking to myself no I dont
want to pick that one because I dont know what my answer would be and then I thought, but I
kind of want to because it really makes you think differently. That being said now I will go on to
what I think I would be like if I was the opposite gender.
I would like to say that I would be the same person if I were to be a male, but thats not
being realistic because I am more like my mom and I dont know if I were male if I would be the
same person. But I would like to think that I would be sort of the same person even if I were male,
but less worrisome about some things. I guess my plans would be a little different. I wouldnt have
to worry about what age I am when I get married and then have a baby because men dont have to
worry about carrying a baby and how old they are when they are going to have a baby.
I feel like if I were to be male I would probably be more active like going hiking more
often doing all kinds of different sports and not having to worry about the monthly visitor. I
think my feelings would be a little different because the men I know dont really seem to care or
show concern in some situations, but I feel though if I were male I would have a caring side like
one of my brothers who has a more caring side to him. I feel like my goals would still be the same
like being a good person and I think I would care about others because I do as a female.
I think I would wear similar clothes because my wardrobe is made up of nice looking t-
shirts that are usually a solid color. I would probably just wear t-shirts, graphic t-shirts, shorts,
pants, but not skinny jeans if I were a male, I would probably wear the same shoes though, that
being converses in gray or black no other colors like I wear now.
I guess its just the stereotype we put on genders that males cant act feminine because they
are male. Males are supposed to be strong, never cry, not supposed to show emotion that makes
them seem weak. Its really all just us putting these stereotypes on men so if a male acts feminine
its not okay because they are supposed to be strong. I havent really thought about that females
can act masculine, but males cant act feminine. Its kind of sad that we cant just let you be you
and I be me no matter what gender you are. If your male or female be strong, cry, caring, laugh,
dance, kind, be athletic, etc. It doesnt matter as long as you are trying to do good and be a good
person whether your male or female. I wont lie though I had these stereotypes on males and it
was hard for me to think if I were to be male because I dont know what I would be exactly because
I am not, but I tried to be open minded like this quote says Within a given society one is likely to
find multiple masculinities and femininities, with expectations and ideals varying from one (class,
racial, or ethnic) group to another. In other words, gender is not the same for all women and men,
nor is it alone in shaping our life experiences. (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 124-125)

References:
Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in a
changing society (13th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Word Count: 617