6 Countries That Defy American Traditional Gender Rolls

Unusual Gender Differences Between the United States and 6 Other Countries

Belgium

Via pinterest.com

In the United States, pink is considered a more feminine color while blue is considered more masculine. When babies are born in the United States, girls are put in pink and boys are put in blue. In Belgium, traditionally boys are put in pink and girls are put in blue. In Belgium pink is considered more masculine.

Vietnam

Via nextshark.com

In the United States, the culture centers around male and their dominant population. In South Vietnam, the culture is more female centered. Women own property, men move into their homes, as well as take the last name of their wives. Also, property and belongings are passed down to the females of the family.

Japan

Via stream.aljazeera.com

In the United States, Valentine's Day is a traditional holiday where men get gifts such as flowers and chocolate for women. In Japan, the roles are reversed and women buy men chocolate and flowers.

Mauritania (West Africa)

Via geography.name

In the United States, skinnier women are viewed as more attractive. The "ideal women" has progressively gotten thinner especially in the modeling industry. These women's pictures are projected throughout society creating the idea that all women need to look like this. In Mauritania, a small West African country, women who are obese are actually more attractive to the people of the country. Obesity is understood as a sign of wealth, while being thin is a sign of illness and poverty.

Orango

Via i.kinja-img.com

In the United States, in a heterosexual relationship, men typically propose to women. In Orango, which is an Island in Guinea-Bissau, off the coast of West Africa, gender roles are switched so that women propose to men and men are not allowed to say no.

Saudia Arabia

Schieder Markus / Via wordpress.com

In the United States, men do not normally show affection amongst each other sometimes even between father and son. In Saudia Arabia, holding hands between men is a high expression of affection. Holding hands is very common in the signs of amity, devotion and what they view to be the most important, equality in status. They also kiss cheeks and have long handshakes to reflect these things. Strangers, like in the United States, don't kiss cheeks and do not hold hands. The strong also do not kiss or hold hands. Unlike the United States where genders are integrated with each other, Saudia Arabia is segregated, therefore emotions and feelings tend to be channeled to the same sex.