Write 9 page essay on the topic Women in the Workplace: An Evolution."Parsons believed that the feminine role was an expressive one, whereas the masculine role, in his view, was instrumental. He belie

Write 9 page essay on the topic Women in the Workplace: An Evolution.

"Parsons believed that the feminine role was an expressive one, whereas the masculine role, in his view, was instrumental. He believed that expressive activities of the woman fulfill 'internal' functions, for example to strengthen the ties between members of the family. The man, on the other hand, performed the 'external' functions of a family, such as providing monetary support." ("Answers"). A particularly male culture was obvious. Some claim that there were two major developments in particular which significantly harmed women. They were professionalization and industrialization. Women were focused on as being the true domestics, while men became more and more associated with the work outside of the home. Men were identified with their occupation, while women were confined to a familial framework. In short, the explanation of 'separate spheres' was that man's sphere was his occupation - his monetary contribution to his family, and his power. The definition of a woman's sphere was her expected role of the devout wife and mother, who comforted those around her, modeled the human mind - in girls especially - until they were grown and could take care of themselves. Men and women were treated as completely different creatures, with completely separate expected paths in life.

With men ultimately dominating the workforce, it seemed as though a woman would never be able to truly find her place. When an expansion of new, higher power jobs came about, men were of course preferred, thus leaving the lesser jobs behind, allowing women to step in and take their place. There are several of these jobs in particular that became rather quickly feminized this way: teaching and nursing are two prime examples.

The context of education is an ongoing evolution.