Husband vs. Wife Since traditional conceptions of masculinity and femininity define man as instrumental and woman as expressive, it follows that men and women can function in their traditional roles only together with each other with each other. Each requires the other to perform at their peak in the world. A man is incomplete without nurturing and tenderness and when he cannot find these qualities within himself he becomes dependent on the woman in his life to provide them to him. A woman cannot function well without the self-affirmation and leadership that she, if traditionally feminine, could not develop within herself. For these qualities she becomes dependent on a man. Neither of them can be alone and this relationship is formalized within the institution of marriage. Once the relationship is established, tasks and behaviors are assigned along sexually oriented lines. The woman becomes a wife and mother with certain tasks and the man consequently becomes a husband and father with a series of prescribed tasks and behaviors. In this relationship, powers are divided rather than shared. Man is given the power to make important decisions, achieve status and material goods. On the other hand, it takes on the power to feel, nurture, serve and manage the domestic and interpersonal life of the house. Women thus gain power in private in exchange for submission in public. This is the traditional pact made between the two sexes. With the acceptance of the role of wife almost all women, especially the role-oriented ones, also accept the role of housewife. The derogatory phrase "I'm just a housewife"? exemplifies the low esteem in which this position is held in our society. Homemaker responsibilities fall under at least twelve job titles: nanny, housekeeper, seamstress, dietician, cook, dishwasher, laundress, grocery clerk, chauffeur, gardener, practical nurse, and maintenance worker. However, she receives no pay and has to ask her husband for money for practically everything. It is notable that most women still rush to take such a position. The main task of the traditional housewife is to put the interests of her husband and children first. Her central mission in life is to care for her husband and children and she finds her greatest satisfaction in family. Furthermore, for the traditional wife individual accomplishments are off limits even if... middle of paper... their well being is disdained as "women's work"? ? the affairs of the lower sex. Taking on the responsibilities of housewife for many men is once again an admission of failure, a sign announcing inadequacy in doing men's work, which, if successful and profitable, would undoubtedly keep them busy with meaningless tasks. Men, however, develop traits that are often not found in women. In their competitive world men improve their logic and rationality and learn to deal with problems, not people, as they advance towards the latter in status and prestige, the external supports in this world are strong and the rewards are tangible. They rarely have to question whether or not their work is noticed, appreciated, or valuable. At the same time that men's energies are engaged in this competitiveness, they tend to lose contact with their own emotions or those of others. They are not interested in vital interpersonal communication when they return home after a day at work. Overworked and worried people only want relief from those they left behind at the office. Having a great need for emotional support, they still consider interpersonal and life matters secondary to more important affairs.