Unquestionably, the roles and characteristics of opposing genders have been ubiquitous, as historical evidence proves, dating back to when the practice of oral tradition was favored over written language. This historical evidence is especially evident in the literature of earlier time periods. In these literary works, men and women often have very different social and economic positions within society. Particular duties or tasks are practiced depending on the sex of these individuals. However, in the progressive world we currently live in, these duties are beginning to intertwine in an effort to enable equal rights between the opposite sexes. This effort to break the sexist barrier surrounding our world has already begun to rattle the shackles of politicians and the like. However, with the progress made thus far in retaliation to sexism and unequal gender privilege, the United States of America is moving in a positive direction towards gender equality. However, the female gender is perceived as a lesser entity in society while the male gender is dominant and controlling. Male individuals in literary works usually rule or direct female individuals. These characteristics are often evident in various literary works, including “Hills Like White Elephants” and “A&P,” written by Ernest Hemingway and John Updike, respectively. The slow and steady transformation from a sexist society to a society that allows inferior genders to perform similar, if not the same tasks as their superior counterparts, can disturb the ideological mindset of figures with authority; however, it provides inferior genders with the opportunity to expand socially, economically, and politically. The dramatic use of male…middle of the card…will allow the lower gender in society a chance to expand. and experience growth in many dimensions. This growth and development will enable equal and varied opportunities for those at disadvantage within society and around the world. For centuries, men and women have had completely different roles in their daily lives, but with progress made towards gender equality, there has been a shift from a male-dominated society to one where both men and women can interact in a way that prevents a patriarchal society. Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. “Hills like white elephants”. Norton's introduction to literature. 10th ed. Eds. Alison Booth and Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2010. 113-117. Print.Update, John. "A&P." Norton's introduction to literature. 10th ed. Eds. Alison Booth and Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2010. 409-414. Press.