MEN VS WOMEN

Task 1. Read the following passage and answer the question that follow.

During the twentieth century, the feminist movement became more active. Women made a great deal of progress toward gaining equal opportunities in education. More and more women also entered the workforce. Both girls and boys were encouraged to choose careers they wanted and didn't feel that they had to choose careers that were traditional for their gender. At home, husbands and wives began to share household chores and caring for children.

These changes in gender roles have helped women make progress toward gaining equal rights in many areas of life. However, sociologists agree that the problem of gender inequality is still a serious issue facing society today.

Answer the following questions according to the information in the passage.

1. How did women's lives change in the twentieth century?

2. How did men's lives change in the twentieth century?

3. What do sociologists believe about gender inequality today?

Task 2. Read these questions and share your answers with a partner.

1. How have women's roles changed since your parents' or grandparents' generation?

2. How have men's roles changed since your parents' or grandparents' generation?

3. Can you think of an example from your own experience of inequality between men and women?

Task 3. Look at the chart that shows the percentages of jobs held by women in various professions in 1975 and in 2000.

Discuss the following questions with a partner:

1. In which fields did women make the most gains between 1975 and 2000?

2. What information in the chart particularly surprises or interests you?

Draw a conclusion:

1. Has anything changed in the workplace in the last decade of the 20th century?

2. Will gender issues in the workplace be a problem in the future?