The Changing Roles of Men and Women

            Gender bias is discrimination 'based on widely held beliefs about the abilities, characteristics, and behavior of men and women. The traditional roles assigned to both genders limit their opportunities to choose careers and lifestyles best suited to their abilities and true interests.

            Many men and women are breaking out of these traditional roles. Over the past few decades, women have entered the job world in increasing numbers and in professions previously considered all&-male. They also have a wider range of choices regarding marriage and children then ever before. Organizations are beginning to offer their employees options such as job sharing, flextime, and home&-based work so that they can better handle the demands of work and family

            Women are still subject to a wage gap as compared with men's wages for similar work, but the gap is narrowing. Moreover, the Department of labor has confirmed that the glass ceiling does exist and is holding women back from achieving high&-level positions in organizations. In some cases, women are as much a deterrent to other women's success in organizations as are gender&-biased men.

            Men are also choosing new roles for themselves. They are working to dispel the myth that men must always be in control, emotionally unexpressive, logical, and achievement oriented. They realize that the rigid male role  has had adverse effects on men's health and on their relationships with women and other men. Men are learning to make conscious choices about marriage, children, and career emphasis that better fit their value systems. Men have been entering traditionally female professions in increasing numbers and choosing more personally rewarding careers that allow time for family responsibilities, even if they sacrifice some material gain to do so.

            Sexual harassment may be a problem for some men as well as women. It may take one of two forms: quid pro quo, the threat of job security or promotions in exchange for sexual favors, or sexually explicit language, photos, or innuendoes that create a hostile work environment. Most organizations have developed  guidelines to help employees avoid harassment or fight it when it occurs.

            Methods of coping with gender&-biased behavior include learning how to effectively communicate with the opposite sex, observing the new rules of etiquette in the workplace, and learning office politics.