Women and Volunteerism in America

Abstract

Is volunteerism an expectation of American women? Do we belive that women are responsible for the nurturing elements in our American culture? Are women, more so than men, expected to volunteer, serve, educate, protest, advocate, and organize, and do so in stereotypical gender roles? Are these ideas depicted in American media, publications, events, and organizations that are targeted at women? This thesis examines the profile of volunteers in America for the period of 2000-2010. Through the examination of American media, publications, events, and organizations that are targeted toward women over the same decade this thesis reveals that women are targeted for specific cultural cues through media. These findings demonstrate that there is an American expectation that women are responsible for nurturing a healthy public through volunteerism.