In a World where it is logically and biologically proven that only two genders exist, it is believed that each gender has its own expected roles to be played either by nature or by society as the world evolves. We have witnessed in both the human and animal kingdom how each gender plays its part in procreation and has led to an increase in the World’s population. What we can deduce from this is there is a naturally programmed process each gender has to go by and a disruption in such a program would lead to nothing but confusion and ruin in the end.

       However, we can tell there are imbalances in some of these expectations by society. E.g a woman is not expected to have more than one husband but the man can have as many wives as he wants (this is backed by some religions), or how a man is not to show emotions no matter the situation and a woman is allowed to shed tears and be comforted thereafter. Using these examples we can tell these role expectations have both its pros and cons which has impacted the world we have today but first let’s do a quick breakdown of what gender roles are.

  The meaning of gender roles varies in several contexts, such as:

• Socially, gender roles refers to the expectations set on how people should act in families, communities and workplaces. This means there is a way by which people are expected to exercise their roles in the family, workplaces. An example is how fathers are expected to provide and protect the family while the mother takes care of the house.

• Culturally, gender roles represent traditions, customs and values about masculinity and femininity. In India for example, a female is not allowed to burn the pyre during a burial process, it’s only a man’s duty regardless of the age.

• Biologically, gender roles are said to be constructive i.e for some it is viewed from man-made rules and some see it from physical differences. An example is how men are said to be bigger and stronger than women while women are seen as a weaker vessel and are prone to danger more.

• Gender roles can also represent symbols according to some spiritual beliefs i.e gender roles can symbolize order, morality, or identity, but also resistance, change, and rebellion.

From the above definitions we can tell that gender roles didn’t just come by without any fundamental reasons attached to it. Therefore, let’s dive into the causes of gender roles in our society.

• During war times, the tradition then and even up till now is that men are sent out to fight while women stay at home and take care of the kids. This also applies the biological definition of gender roles, which sees men as stronger and physically fit to handle tough situations, the men then would ensure they protect their homes from invaders and other factors such as hunger, maltreatments and theft. This became a social norm that has institutionalized the reason for gender roles in the social context.
• In some cultural beliefs, history and values, there are certain dos and don’ts for both men and women and going against such would violate the terms of the people from such culture. This may be due to some incidents that have occurred in the history of such people and their quest to avoid its reoccurrence implemented a role definition for each gender.
• The cause of gender roles can also be seen through religious practices, sacred texts and traditions that specified gender roles. For example in the bible, women are not allowed in the places of Altar, it is a taboo. Till date in some African churches women are not allowed to become pastors or stand on the altar, just as it is in islam, women do not hold sermons. This is a gender role that has been specified through religion and duly observed by its followers. 
• In several institutions we have seen how gender roles have been passed down, in schools, workplaces, families and even the media. There are objectives set for both women and men.
• In terms of power and hierarchy, we can see how gender roles are being displayed, it exerts male dominance and female subordination. In India for example, the male child is seen as an asset while the female child is seen as a liability. This is to show that the male child may have limitless access to things while the female may be restricted to few things just to maintain power and hierarchy in the system.
• We cannot discuss the causes of gender roles without stating the modern era roles in it. Advertisement, fashion, and entertainment industries shape gender ideals, there are beauty standards for both men and women. For example, women are used when it comes to beauty, body lotion, soap advertisements while men are most times used for food, alcohol advertisements. This is to show that there are roles carried by both genders and even the entertainment industry validates that because it is seen as ideal. 

In conclusion, we can denote that gender roles didn’t just fall from nowhere but it is rooted in our history, customs, traditions, beliefs and values and regardless of how it may be viewed in today’s world, it has always existed and played a huge role in how the world has come this far. Instead of gender roles being seen as suppressive, maybe it should rather be seen as the most logical way to keep the world sane and balanced, no gender role is little or useless, if executed properly its impact will forever be recognized and appreciated and many will live to tell of  it.