And the guest posts just keep on coming!
Today I have something a little bit different for you : here’s Carol Montrose’s take on what it means have ‘pride’, ‘preparedness’ and ‘purpose’.
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The role of the male in our society has been steadily changing for the last several decades. Gone is the traditional 1950s standard of the man who works all day to come home to a wife who has dinner waiting on the table and children eager to share the successes of their day before they scamper off to bed. No longer are men required to be the only breadwinner in a family, and often, women insist on working outside the home, sometimes to the extent that fathers are left to care for children and govern the home-front. And yet, while some men suffer an identity crisis as they attempt to reconcile historical norms with our current societal realities, many are finding that equal partnerships with their spouses and a more active role in their home life are exponentially more rewarding than the fantasy of a bygone era. And the 3 Ps have everything to do with it.
The male ego can be a delicate organ, to say the least. Even today, when the roles of males and females have begun to expand and overlap, many men are still raised with ideas of chivalry and protectiveness towards the fairer sex, as well as the notion that they must be providers. While many women have eschewed this antiquated notion of gender roles by joining the workforce and fending for themselves, it is still difficult for men to forego years of training and adapt to societal standards that are no longer in keeping with their primary instruction. Men are often programmed to base their pride on certain things: strength, courage, and success in their chosen profession, just to name a few. So when these necessities are removed, it can be a harsh blow to a man’s constructed identity. However, many men are coming to terms with their changing roles and learning that success in any arena is a basis for pride. Men like this are a joy to encounter and tend to be more well-adjusted and happier that those who insist on pitting idealistic notions against the realities of modern life.
In terms of preparedness, men and women proceed in different ways. Men think in a linear fashion. If the toilet breaks, they get the tools and manual necessary to fix it. Ditto on clogged drains, doors hung askew, and malfunctioning carburetors. Women, on the other hand, prepare for every possible eventuality (which is probably why they carry such large purses). However, despite what women may think about the planning skills of their male counterparts (or lack thereof), men tend to be prepared in different ways. They plan for the probable rather than the possible, and thereby spare themselves the constant worry that women seem to suffer. Men have jacks and spare tires because a flat once in awhile is inevitable. Women also have a towel and sanitizer to clean up afterwards, a new set of clothes to change into, a nail file in case they ruin their manicure, and their entire make-up case for touch ups.
Finally, men need a purpose. Well, all people need a purpose, but while women will always find something that needs to be done, men who feel no sense of purpose often become depressed and despondent. Many men are defined by their job. But what happens when, as in our current recession, men are out of work? Well, there’s a simple solution, but it generally requires an attitude adjustment and an open mind. Do you never see women running around like maniacs, working all day and then coming home to clean the house, make dinner, run errands, and get the kids to all of their lessons? The good news is, men who find themselves out of work can not only occupy their time with the essential tasks of running the household, they can earn the adoration of their wives simultaneously. A man without purpose can be a dead weight. But men who buck up and take on alternate responsibilities will find themselves happier, more engaged, and able to keep a positive outlook on life.
Carol Montrose is a writer for Online MBA Programs where you can browse the top online MBA programs.
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