Gender Roles Gender roles and inequality do exist in Brazilian society. While the percentage of women working outside the home has increased significantly over the last several decades, they earn only 75% of what their male counterparts do (de Azevedo, et al, 2010). Disparity in opportunity and income levels also exists across racial lines with black women often having fewer options to allow them to work outside the home (Margolis, Bezerra and Fox, 2001).
Margolis, et al., (2001) further describe that equality for women in Brazil has come slowly. They did not receive the vote until 1932, and it was the 1960s before they were given adult rights--previously, they had to receive permission from their husbands or fathers to leave the country or open a bank account. At the heart of this is the history of a male dominated society dating back to the Portuguese colonizers "which identifies men with authority and strength and women with weakness and subservience" (Margolis, et al., 2001). However, progress is ongoing, and as noted previously, Brazil elected a female president in 2010. In the home, women and men often perform gender associated roles. The women likely do the cooking, cleaning, laundry and child rearing, while men do more physical jobs around the house such as home repairs. Wealthier women may choose to stay home to raise the children (C. Costabile, personal communication, October 27, 2012). |
However, a recent Pew Research Study on global attitudes released in September 2010 reveals that generally speaking Brazilians strongly believe there should be gender equality, and that women should be able to work outside the home. Further findings include that 84% of Brazilians find marriage more satisfying when both husband and wife work and share household tasks and responsibilities for children. Significantly, men and women both support gender equality. While support for gender equality is high, many believe that there is still progress to be made with a 42% plurality believing that men have a better life. (See below chart).
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