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Essay / Persistent gender roles: an obstacle to progress
Traditional gender roles challenge people's goals and aspirations by having a predefined notion of what each gender is allowed to look and act like. Although this problem is still relevant in today's society, it would be a lie to say that no measures are being taken to correct this societal problem. “Let's continue to show how we can all move beyond traditional gender roles and a culture where dads are applauded for taking their kids to the park, but shamed for taking parental leave or adjusting their schedules to care of a parent. Where women are shamed and guilty if they do not fulfill only the traditional role of wife and stay-at-home mother, whether they have children or not. Let's continue to do research that shows that businesses are actually more profitable and perform better when they embrace diversity, and that all workers have time to live. If we keep talking, then maybe I... can live long enough to see the day when true gender parity is finally achieved. »(Schulte