These are societal norms dictating what types of behaviors are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for a person based on their actual or perceived sex.
Think of traditional gender roles like the rules in an old board game. The game has specific roles for each player that were established long ago and may not reflect current thinking or fairness. Just as some players might want to change the rules to make the game more inclusive and fair, society is continually reevaluating and challenging traditional gender roles.
Patriarchy: A social system in which power is held by men, through cultural norms and customs that favor men and withhold opportunity from women.
Matriarchy: A social system in which females hold primary power, predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property.
Gender Equality: The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender.
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