What do gender roles encompass, according to the text?

Gender roles encompass behaviors and traits that society deems appropriate for males and females. This concept reflects the expectations placed on individuals based on their gender, influencing how people are expected to act, think, and engage in various aspects of life. Such roles can affect personal identity, family dynamics, workplace interactions, and societal structures.

The focus on behaviors and traits reveals how cultural norms shape our understanding of masculinity and femininity. By recognizing these roles, individuals can better understand their own experiences and the experiences of others, which is crucial in promoting equity and diminishing stereotypes.

The other options, while related to gender dynamics, do not capture the broad societal expectations inherent in gender roles. Skills and abilities, educational attainment, and work-life balance strategies are important but do not directly address the societal constructs that define behaviors and traits linked to gender.