Breaking stereotypes
Jake MayThe line that once clearly separated male and female roles in the workplace, on dates and in relationships is becoming more and more blurred.
"There is a gradual rewriting of the cultural script of gender in society," said sociology professor Brigitte Bechtold.
This change is largely because of women's increased levels of education, the need for dual earners in family-based households and legislation that prohibits discrimination, Bechtold said.
As of recent years in the United States, there are more women than men who graduate from high school and college. These trends extend beyond education as well, as there appears to be a movement toward dividing household tasks and child-rearing, Bechtold said.
In an article published last year in the American Prospect magazine titled "What Do Women and Men Want," author Kathleen Gerson explains that while Generation Y may enjoy having several options, it is also a generation that is somewhat conflicted in whether and how to raise children, marry and start a career.
Clinton junior Lauren Shield said she often feels the conflict Gerson speaks of.
"I want to be in a committed relationship, but at the same time, I also have a fear of it," Shield said.
Shield has never been the one to initiate relationships with guys, and is used to guys approaching her, she said, but she does feel that it is becoming somewhat of the norm.
When it comes to initiating relationships, there are plenty of mixed views on what is considered appropriate behavior by each of the sexes.
Tradition tells us that males should always be the ones to get the ball rolling, but not everyone feels this way.
"It shouldn't always be up to the guy (to initiate), because sometimes they are just too shy. Since so many other things have changed, why should (male courtship) remain traditional?" said Flushing senior Jackie Hiteshew.
Some males, such as Illinois senior Gordon Pye, have experienced first-hand the act of females taking on a more dominant role.
"Most women I've had serious relationships with have actually approached me," Pye said.
In the same turn, Pye also found these women to be more aggressive, which he jokes may be a reason why the relationships did not last.
Although Pye has had his share of "go-getting" gals, he said he still prefers and believes in the traditional views that his gender should make the advances.
While there may be some differing views on equality in relationships, Gerson believes young adults do seem to have a somewhat common goal in all of this confusion: to have a egalitarian relationship with another person while still having plenty of room for personal autonomy.
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