---
title: "Gender Roles — AP World History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Gender roles are society's norms for how men and women should behave. In AP World, they shift with the Enlightenment, industrialization, migration, and 20th-century resistance movements."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-world/key-terms/gender-roles"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP World History: Modern"
---

# Gender Roles — AP World History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Gender roles refer to the social and behavioral norms that dictate how individuals of different genders should act, think, and interact in society. These roles have evolved over time, influenced by cultural, economic, and political changes, shaping the experiences of men and women in various historical contexts.

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Patriarchy](/ap-world/key-terms/patriarchy): A social system where men hold primary power, dominating roles in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.
- [Feminism](/ap-world/key-terms/feminism): A movement advocating for women's rights and equality, aiming to challenge and change traditional gender roles and societal norms.
- Masculinity: The attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with boys and men, often emphasizing strength, dominance, and assertiveness in contrast to femininity.

### Key Facts

- During the Industrial Age, traditional gender roles were challenged as women began to enter the workforce in greater numbers, leading to a re-evaluation of women's roles in society.
- The Enlightenment period promoted ideas of individual rights and equality, which began to influence discussions around gender roles and the need for women's education.
- Economic changes due to industrialization often led to the segregation of labor by gender, with women typically being relegated to lower-paying jobs while men held positions of power.
- In the aftermath of World War I, shifts in gender roles were evident as women had taken on more responsibilities during the war, leading to increased demands for women's suffrage and rights.
- Global resistance movements in the 20th century often included feminist components that fought against oppressive gender roles imposed by colonialism and patriarchy.

### How did the rise of industrialization impact traditional gender roles during the Industrial Age?

Industrialization significantly altered traditional gender roles as it drew large numbers of women into the workforce to fill labor shortages created by men serving in wars or moving to urban areas. Women began working in factories, taking on roles that were previously reserved for men. This shift not only challenged societal norms but also sparked early feminist movements advocating for better working conditions and equal rights.

### Analyze how Enlightenment ideas contributed to changes in perceptions about gender roles.

Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason, individual rights, and equality, which began to challenge the established norms around gender roles. Prominent philosophers argued for the education of women and their participation in public life. This ideological shift laid the groundwork for later movements advocating for women's rights and equality, suggesting that women should not be confined to domestic spheres but instead have opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

### Evaluate the role of global resistance movements in challenging traditional gender roles during the 20th century.

Global resistance movements of the 20th century played a crucial role in challenging traditional gender roles by linking feminism with anti-colonial efforts. Activists fought against both imperial oppression and patriarchy, arguing that liberation must include gender equality. These movements highlighted how colonial powers exploited gendered divisions within societies, and thus sought to dismantle both colonial structures and rigid gender norms simultaneously.