Men are restless, adventurous. Women are conservative - despite what current ideology says

Men are restless, adventurous. Women are conservative - despite what current ideology says

Doris Lessing, a renowned British writer and feminist, often explored the complexities of gender roles and relationships in her works. In her writing, Lessing frequently challenged traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, portraying characters who defied societal expectations and norms. One of the recurring themes in her work is the idea that men are restless and adventurous, while women are conservative, despite what current ideology may suggest.

Lessing's exploration of gender roles can be seen in her novel "The Golden Notebook," where she delves into the lives of four women who struggle to navigate the complexities of their relationships with men. In the novel, Lessing portrays men as being driven by a sense of restlessness and a desire for adventure, while women are depicted as being more conservative and cautious in their approach to life.

One of the most striking examples of Lessing's exploration of gender roles can be seen in her short story "To Room Nineteen," where she tells the story of a woman who feels trapped in her role as a wife and mother. In the story, the protagonist, Susan, is portrayed as being conservative and conformist, while her husband is depicted as being more adventurous and willing to take risks.

Lessing's portrayal of gender roles in her work challenges the notion that men are inherently more adventurous than women. She suggests that societal expectations and norms play a significant role in shaping the behavior and attitudes of men and women. While men may be encouraged to be adventurous and take risks, women are often socialized to be more conservative and cautious in their approach to life.