How Does Society React to People Who Don't Fit Established Gender Roles?

What happens when a member of one sex exhibits qualities usually associated with the other? For example, how does society respond to a male nurse who is nurturing and caring? How does society respond to a female police officer who is daring, assertive and good with a gun? What happens when a man decides that he wants to be a "house husband" and stay home with the kids? What happens when a female marine protests because she is never assigned to combat duty? All of these situations are common in our society.

After considering the above situations and others like them, write a well-organized essay on the following question:

How does current American society (or another society you are familiar with) usually react when an individual steps outside of traditional gender roles (i.e. a man doesn't dress or behave as a man, or a woman doesn't dress or behave as a woman is supposed to in that society)? Do you believe this response is justified? Why or why not?

This question asks for your observations about how society and individuals respond to departures from established gender roles. You may also want to discuss whether or not these departures from established roles are beneficial or harmful to the individuals involved, or to society as a whole.