Final answer:
Gender roles for both males and females are shaped by societal expectations and are evident in different life aspects, from childhood socialization to professional life. These roles result in occupational sorting and may not always reflect personal preferences. Societal norms heavily influence the conformity to these gender roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both males and females have gender roles and it is channeled through the demands and restrictions of societal expectations. The concept of gender roles is deeply ingrained in individuals from an early age through various agents of socialization such as family, education, peer groups, and mass media. This socialization leads to a preference for certain types of activities and career paths often associated with masculinity or femininity.
For instance, men tend to be overrepresented in professions like law enforcement, the military, and politics, which are traditionally seen as 'masculine.' Women, conversely, are more likely found in 'feminine' roles such as childcare, healthcare, and social work. These trends reflect the stratification of males and females in society and demonstrate adherence to gender roles, which might not necessarily align with personal preferences.
Even when gender equality is a stated aim, there might be practices and expectations that suggest underlying gender biases, such as different chores assigned to boys and girls based on stereotypes about strength and neatness. This indicates that the drive to conform to masculine and feminine roles is intertwined with societal norms and pressures, which influence individuals' choices and opportunities well into adulthood.