Battle of the Sexes: The Role of Genders .
The obedient role of the female in a marriage or relationship is a common problem in many societies, including our own American society. This role has become so common that in fact it is now expected of the female. This male dominance goes as far back as the human race, to the beginning of relationships and marriage between the female and the male. The physical competency of the male led to his dominance in all situations and thus formed these roles. Even presently, with all our advances in equal rights and women's advances in the work fields, this role of compliance and passivity is still present among our society. As a women myself, I find it hard to understand why women accept this role. .
These roles are ingrained into our society. The men are raised to lead and take charge. Women, on the other hand, are taught that their place is to keep peace, and in most scenarios that means conforming. There are many reasons women accept or allow this role. For many women, they find safety in allowing the male to dominate the relationship. The dominant role of a male is familiar or so expected that the women fear changing the situation. Many authors illustrate this role of the sexes and portray some reasons and situations that are common in our society, such as Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, in her story "The Hand". This author describes a woman in a remarkable situation, and discusses one of the major reasons why women give in to males. .
Colette was a significant feminist in the early 1900's when the women's right movement was in full swing. She fought for equal opportunities for women and proved it was possible when she was the first woman to be admitted to the Goncourt Academy. As a novelist, she used her writing to illustrate the assumed roles society has developed. Meyer's Thinking and Writing About Literature remarks, "Her professional life and three marriages helped to shape her keen insights into modern love and women's lives" (Meyer 162).
