Are we forced to conform to artificial gender roles?

Did the sexual revolution of the 20th Century really liberate us or simply force us to conform to another model of sexuality?

What are the main gender roles for both sexes? How are these harmful or beneficial?

How has the increased acceptance of homosexuality in the 20th Century changed gender roles?



These questions are simply to get you thinking, you don't need to answer all or any of them as long as your answer is pertinent to the main one.



p.s. I'm not writing an essay on gender roles; I'm doing French Studies at university, not Gender Studies. I just want your opinions!Are we forced to conform to artificial gender roles?
This sounds like homework too....but I'm bored, so...



While granting a few more sexual freedoms, the sexual revolution of the 20th C also placed a heavier weight on the ';importance'; of conformity in the eyes of those with strict gender-based boundaries. In the eyes of the public, new and strange sexualities were emerging from the woodwork that, in reality, had been there all along. This placed a strain on those with traditional views, who in turn, pushed back. A movement was started, small and quiet, for nontraditional sexualities to gain acceptance in the public mind. The rift between the old school of thought and the new one brought to light uncomfortable tensions between the two that had been growing for years.



Gay, lesbian, transsexual, trans gender, asexual, pan sexual, even things such as robo sexual or non-sexual. These things, as they gained media coverage, slowly became the topic of many would-be-concerned evangelist and politicians; and quickly afterward, became taboo among those with reputations or seats of power that could become shaken by the battle being fought. Civil rights groups began to campaign for equality, while others began fighting to discredit or quieten those blowing whistles. Court battle such as those in Massachusetts and California began to spread. Slowly, a couple states held that marriage was between two people and not just a man and woman.



Women, began to gain more cultural freedoms and men, while still heavily influenced by decades old beliefs, were allowed more room for expression and sexually exploration. Groups and mind-frames such a ';emo'; and ';metrosexual'; became mainstream and quickly accepted. Gradually, men were allowed more freedom to be sensitive and women could become more aggressive.



I would continue, but I lost track of time. I've been typing for about 20 minutes....