Men, Women, and Gender Roles

We encounter gender every day—through dating, parenting, workplace dynamics, media, and even casual conversation. What once seemed fixed is now in flux. The traditional distinctions between men and women are being re-examined, redefined, and, in some cases, rejected.

This circle invites participants into a thoughtful, open-ended discussion about how we understand gender and the roles associated with it. Rather than debating headlines or taking sides, we’ll explore the frameworks, assumptions, and questions that shape our views. The aim is not to decide what’s right or wrong, but to engage with one another in a deeper inquiry.

Core Questions:

What is a man? What is a woman?

Are traditional roles outdated or still relevant for men and women?

What misconceptions do we carry about masculinity and femininity?

Does identity override biology, or must the two be reconciled?

Structure:

First 15 minutes: Coffee and informal socializing

90 minutes: Open Socratic dialogue — a format in which participants collectively investigate a topic through questions, reflection, and shared inquiry, rather than debate or persuasion

Final 10–15 minutes (optional): Casual wind-down, lingering discussion, and community connection

Suggested Readings (Optional):

Bell Hooks - "The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love"

Camille Paglia – "Free Women, Free Men"

Abigail Shrier – "Irreversible Damage"

“In our contemporary culture, masculinity is often reduced to toxic stereotypes, and femininity is seen as a performance. But what if both have more depth than we’ve allowed?”
— Unknown