Since the phenomenon of FOF is deep-rooted in men’s psyche, socio-cultural aspects have little effect on its manifestation. In other words, British men are as likely to exhibit this kind of thought and behaviour as other groups of men in the rest of the world. As a result, British men have found it difficult to assume new roles within the family during the last half century. Their attitudes and behaviours have essentially remained the same before and since the 1960s.
In conclusion, it is apt to say that there have been remarkable transformations in certain aspects of women’s role in the family and society. Their status within the family has greatly improved, with more women contributing economically while also managing to do household chores. Ever greater number of women are working and earning a living since the 1960s, although their earnings tend to be less than that of their husbands after adjusting for qualifications, skills and experience. But there is still room for progress for in this regard. What seems to hold back women from attaining that potential is a mixture of two factors – complacency and male psychology. During the last five decades and for centuries prior to that, the psychology of men with regard to women has remained nearly constant. What is succinctly termed as Fear of the Feminine has ensured that men have retained their conventional roles within the family during the last five decades. Although some men have adjusted well to the changing economic and socio-cultural realities, it is seldom done voluntarily. There seems to be reluctance on part of men to accept their insecurities with respect to sexuality, which has hindered them from assuming family roles that are unconventional and unexplored. This situation has created an atmosphere of tension and dysfunctionality in contemporary British families, leading to greater divorce rates and single-parent households.
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