The recent results of the 2024 election have sparked conversations about women’s rights and the plans of President-elect Donald J. Trump. Societal expectations and gender norms have long shaped the career paths of women, influencing their opportunities, aspirations, and experiences in the workforce. While significant strides have been made in recent decades, traditional gender roles continue to impact women’s career choices, often limiting their options and reinforcing stereotypes about what jobs are “appropriate” for women. The trad-wife trademark has been very apparent in the far right, Conservative Republican ideals, which will impact women and young girls heavily.
The Influence of Gender Norms on Career Choices
Historically, women were often confined to domestic roles or occupations deemed “feminine”- teaching, nursing, or secretarial work. Women were frequently provided with fewer opportunities for advancement. Gender norms dictated that men would pursue careers in engineering, finance, and law, reinforcing the idea that certain professions were better suited for their supposed strengths—strengths often tied to physicality or rationality. Girls and women are usually socialized from a young age to gravitate toward fields that align with nurturing or relational skills, while boys are encouraged to pursue careers that are seen as more financially lucrative or prestigious. The process of anticipatory socialization refers to the idea of preparing a child for future roles; it is not only confined to gender but also to societal and economic status. These gendered expectations can stifle ambition, limit career exploration, and influence educational choices, thus restricting women’s freedom to choose their ideal professions. Daughters are often treated much harsher than sons based on the idea that they are weaker. They are taught to obey authority and to follow instructions, which leads to future confidence problems.
The Road Ahead: Freedom and Equality
While the barriers created by traditional gender norms are still present, the momentum for change continues to grow. Women have made remarkable progress in entering and excelling in fields like law, business, technology, and politics. However, there is still work to be done. Societal perceptions about gender and work remain ingrained in many cultures, and structural inequalities such as the gender pay gap and glass ceiling persist.
To truly achieve economic and social empowerment for women, it is crucial to continue challenging these norms. Education, mentorship, and supportive workplace policies can help women access a wider range of career choices and succeed in fields traditionally dominated by men. At the same time, men must be encouraged to pursue roles in caregiving and support the deconstruction of stereotypes about masculinity and femininity.
Ultimately, breaking away from traditional gender roles not only benefits individual women but also contributes to a more equitable society. The liberation of women’s career choices is a powerful catalyst for change, leading to greater opportunities, fairness, and economic prosperity for all.
“Women’s struggle for equality worldwide is about more than equality between men and women. Our struggle is about reversing the trends of social, economic, political, and ecological crises – a global nervous breakdown! Our struggle is about creating sustainable lives and attainable dreams.”
-Bella Abzug, American lawyer, politician, and social activist.