Society's View on Male and Female Leaders by Blogger Jade

Maya Angelou and Martin Luther King Jr. have many things in common.  They were active leaders in the African American community; they made significant impact on the American society.  Even after they have passed we are still quoting their works and letting their words ruminate with us.  One difference between the two is that Maya Angelou was a woman and Martin Luther King Jr. was a man.

I know it is not news worthy of a headline, but male and female leaders are viewed differently in society.  When I think of women leaders Mother Theresa, Oprah, and Maya Angelou come to mind, there are many other fantastic women leaders out there but these are the three that resonate with me.   When I think of these women something that stands out is there maternal side.  Mother Theresa supported orphans, Oprah started a school for girls in Africa, and Maya Angelou inspired whole generations of women by her spoken word, speeches, and poetry.  They are strong independent figures that take care of many people and this seems to come from a maternal place. 

I think society may agree with me, because women have the capacity to bare children we often look to women as having an inherit maternal side.  I feel as though this view is changing in society. On the contrary I do believe society feels that the link between a woman and her maternal side is stronger than a man and his paternal side. 

In comparing men and women leaders I think that society views men as strong, steadfast, and ambitious.  I think society has viewed women leaders as maternal, careful, and sometimes soft.  I do feel that the view of women in leadership roles is changing.  Women are represented in every occupation.  They have families and run nations.  There are more women in leadership positions today than in any other time in history.  The realization of having a women President of the United States my happen in the next election.   

With the shift of more women in leadership positions, I think society has accepted men becoming more paternal, staying at home with the kids no longer is a women only job.  Society has begun to understand that women are tough, fair, and compassionate leaders.  That men and women can be different types of leaders but this is a good thing.  I am very excited to be a part of a society that is embracing women leaders.