Final answer:
Conflict theorists view gender roles as power struggles between social groups, with men often being dominant and women subordinate. This perspective sees social problems as rooted in the exploitation of subordinate groups by dominant groups, highlighting gender inequalities through the feminist theory lens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conflict Theorists and Gender Roles
Today, conflict theorists view gender roles through the lens of power struggles and dominance within society. According to conflict theory, social groups, including genders, are in a continuous battle for resources and power, with men often in the dominant position and women in a subordinate role.
This lens sees social problems as stemming from the exploitation or oppression of subordinate groups by dominant ones.
This perspective is clearly illustrated in historical struggles such as the Women's Suffrage Movement and ongoing debates regarding women's autonomy over their reproductive rights.
The feminist perspective, closely related to conflict theory, specifically focuses on gender inequality and the perpetuation of male dominance through societal structures, including the family and religion.
Significant changes in gender roles appeared during periods such as World War II, where women had to undertake both the breadwinner and domestic roles, creating a shift in the family structure and societal expectations.
After the war, when men returned and sought to reclaim their roles, a state of imbalance ensued due to women's reluctance to abandon their new-found economic positions.
The insights from conflict theory demonstrate the inherent struggles associated with gender roles and the difficulties that arise when power dynamics are challenged, and social roles evolve.