Angela Garcia
Megan Levad
UF 200
April 19th, 2020
The Unspoken Societal Roles and Expectations of Women
What are the unspoken roles and expectations that society has for women? When i say
“unspoken,” I mean, the things that can be considered implied, or the things “women should
know are expected of them”. In this essay I will break down and give examples of different
unspoken roles and expectations, as well as share some personal experiences and discuss
potential solutions, or ways that could contribute to a change on this issue.
I chose to write my research paper on this topic as it is something that is very important
to me. Even though I am 3rd generation American, I come from a very Mexican bloodline. My
biological father’s family is from Sinaloa, Mexico, and my mother’s grandparents are from
Cadereyta Mexico. With that being said, even though we have been in America for such a long
time, my family has continued to hold its strong Mexican traditions and beliefs thus far. There is
so much to love about my Mexican roots; Its beautiful traditions of quinceaneras, folkloric
dancing, amazing food, and family closeness. I must say, however, I do not love it’s sexist and
degrading views on women.
Growing up Mexican was very hard for me, my mother and biological father divorced
before I was born, and my mother remarried my stepdad (I call him dad) when I was 5. My dad
is also Mexican, and he holds the same beliefs that women are to serve men and remain inferior.
I didn’t agree with this from a very young age as I didn’t like the thought of my mother being
suddenly inferior to this new man in our household, when I had always thought of her as superior
to all beings, in my opinion at least. The belief that women are to remain inferior to men is
actually a great example of an unspoken expectation for women in my culture.
One woman who I admire and adore deeply, is my great grandmother, Guadalupe Garza
(I call her my GG). I chose to interview my GG for my paper, not only because, at 97 years old
she has seen so much more than anybody I know, but also because even though she was born in
mexico, she has been an american citizen since she was 10. Not only has she lived through the
great depression, the women’s liberation movement, Malcom x, and World War 2, but she has
also known what it’s like to be a woman in Mexican culture. Another really cool thing about my
GG, is that she is also a feminist. Interviewing her for this paper was such a pleasure and
something I was looking forward to from the get go, as she is the only person in my entire family
