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Males in our society are subjected to the same degree of struggle as females. Life is not easy, and as opportunities increase for women, expectations increase for men.

From the time they are very young boys are admonished to be tough and "take it like a man." When women are treated unfairly they can cry and display dramatic protest. Men are expected to keep their emotions in check.

In dual career families the woman receives huge sympathy for her fatigue resulting from her roles as working woman and homemaker. Men are chastised if they work all day and fail to "do their share" on the home front too. There is little sympathy for the overworked man.

Society "allows" women to be full time homemakers and child caretakers. If a man opts to stay home and defer to his wife as the breadwinner for the family, his behavior is criticized as lazy and unmotivated; no matter that he is primary parent and manager of the household. Society recognized women's right to choose their roles, but has not yet caught up with men's right to a choice.

Many employers in today's society presented with two equally qualified individuals will give preference to the female applicant to avoid any hint of gender bias. The fact is; unrecognized gender bias exists for the male applicant.

If a man complains of sexual harassment on the job he is laughed at, congratulated or told to 'man up," and not taken seriously. A woman with the identical complaint has lawyers lining up to fight her grievance in court.

Men have made strides in recent years with custody battles over their children when divorce occurs. They still have a long way to go, however, as all things being equal, judges continue to lean toward awarding custody to the mother. Father's rights are not held in the same esteem as their female maternal counterparts.

The entertainment media often portrays men as the idiots and buffoons in a relationship. Women are seen as the smarter, emotionally stronger partner. Examples in prime time: King of Queens, My wife and Kids, and Life According to Jim. This stereotyping makes for great comedy, but does not favor men or enhance their standing in our society.

Women brought inequality to the forefront of attention several decades ago and have made great strides over time in obtaining a voice and presence in the political and financial arena. Often in an effort to be politically correct and adhere to the fair treatment of women, our society neglects to give the same consideration to the male population.

As women's grievances about inequality are rectified, care must be taken to insure the pendulum does not swing too far in the opposite direction and infringe on the rights of men.

Finding a middle ground insures that men and women will be treated with equal respect and consideration in our enlightened society.

Learn more about this author, Carol Gioia.
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