Introduction
Society has undergone rapid changes that have revolutionized perceptions of gender roles and expectations. Unlike in the 21st century, society was male-dominated during the early 20th century. Consequently, men held superior roles in society, as Susan Glaspell expressed in her play “Trifles.” Gender roles and expectations of women in law enforcement, the business world, and domestic life have significantly changed in the 21st century compared to the early 20th century.
Early 20th Century vs. 21st Century Women
Similarities
The early 20th century was associated with fewer social and economic developments than the 21st century. However, some of the gender roles and expectations among women were similar in the two centuries. According to Glaspell (3), women in the early 20th century were confined at home and expected to do house chores such as cooking, washing clothes, and taking care of children. For instance, in the play, Minnie Wright’s role is housekeeping (Glaspell 4).
Similarly, in the 21st century, women are more involved in domestic chores than men (Flor et al., 2391). Although 21st-century women do house chores, some men have taken the initiative to support them. Chores such as cooking and taking care of children are common among men in the 21st century. Both 20th- and early 21st-century women were involved in house chores, but 21st-century women are helped by their husbands.
Differences
Despite having similar roles in both centuries, women in both centuries presented significant differences due to social developments. Women in the early 20th century were less liberated and played inferior roles in society (George et al. 640). However, many women of the 21st century have taken up superior roles in society, including top political positions such as presidents (Lluch and Salvaj 24). In the early 20th century, women were expected to identify themselves using their husbands’ names, unlike in the 21st century, when women have the right to choose how they can be identified (Glaspell 10). Society’s constant efforts to liberate women in the 21st century have improved women’s recognition.
Gender Roles
Disparities in gender roles are evident in areas of life such as the business world, law enforcement, and domestic life. In the business world, men are expected to hold top positions that are crucial for organizational decision-making. On the other hand, women are subjected to the least superior positions, such as secretary (George et al. 630). In law enforcement, gender disparities were more prevalent in the early 20th century.
In “Trifles,” Sheriff Henry Peters belittles women’s ability to contribute to police investigations. However, in the 21st century, many women have occupied top positions in law enforcement. In the domestic area of life, in the early 20th century, women were expected to do all house chores on their own. Meanwhile, in the 21st century, there has been a shift in sharing domestic chores between husbands and their wives (George et al. 630). Although there are disparities in gender roles in the 21st century, women are more recognized than those in the early 20th century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, women and men play various roles in the growth and development of society. Unlike in the early 20th century, women in the 21st century are more liberated. In the play “Trifles,” women in the 20th century are prejudiced against their gender and given inferior roles in society. On the other hand, in the 21st century, women have occupied superior positions in the business world, law enforcement, and domestic life. Improved women’s empowerment in the 21st century has helped reduce disparities in gender roles.
Works Cited
Flor, Luisa, et al. “Articles Quantifying the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Gender Equality on Health, Social, and Economic Indicators: A Comprehensive Review of Data from March 2020 to September 2021.” The Lancet, vol. 399, no. 10344, 2022, Web.
George, Jordana, et al. “Emancipatory Technology and Developing‐World Supply Chains: A Case Study of African Women Gemstone Miners.” Journal of Operations Management, vol. 68, no. 6-7, 2022, pp. 619–648, Web.
Glaspell, Susan. Trifles. 1916.New York: Frank Shay,
Lluch, Andrea, and Erica Salvaj. “Women May Be Climbing on Board, but Not in First Class: A Long-Term Study of the Factors Affecting Women’s Board Participation in Argentina and Chile (1923–2010).” Business History, 2022, pp. 1–28, Web.