Final answer:
Men were typically associated with technology advancements while women focused on beauty products according to historical gender roles. The beauty industry has profoundly influenced women's behaviors through marketing, shifting societal norms around physical appearance and its importance. Gender roles and expectations have continued to evolve, reflecting changes in society and economic conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Men were concerned about technology advancements, women were concerned about their nails or the latest beauty products. Throughout history, societal norms have dictated distinct interests and responsibilities for men and women, often reinforcing traditional gender roles. Men were expected to be more involved in fields like technology, while women were often encouraged to maintain their appearance. This dynamic is partly rooted in the historical expectations placed upon women to enhance their beauty, as seen in ancient Rome, where both men and women were encouraged to take care of their physical appearance, with women in particular facing scrutiny from male authors.
In the 20th century, gender roles continued to evolve, with the beauty industry leveraging marketing to convince women of the need to purchase products to achieve beauty. This resulted in women carrying an 'arsenal of beauty products' including cosmetics that were once stigmatized. Simultaneously, societal pressures and criticism focused on using cosmetics 'properly' and the connections between makeup, luxury, and perceived depravity.
Gender roles have always been an integral part of society's fabric, influencing individual behavior and societal expectations. As industries evolved, so did the concept of what constituted as appropriate interests for men and women, often mirroring broader social and economic trends.