MALE & FEMALE ROLES

1. If people's opportunities are genuinely equal, then differences in the choices they make cannot automatically be regarded as discrimination.

2. I don't agree that all traditional differences between men and women are necessarily harmful.

3. When you say "equal roles", do you mean exactly the same roles?

4. That's a sensitive subject, so I'd like to think about how to put it.

5. One solution would be to encourage more flexible working and more equal sharing of childcare.

6. I agree that opportunities shouldn't depend on someone's sex.

7. What do you think about traditional ideas of male and female roles?

8. I think people should be free to choose their roles regardless of whether they are male or female.

9. But isn't there a danger that what is described as a personal choice is actually influenced by social expectations?

10. Traditional roles have influenced employment, childcare, housework, education and expectations about behaviour.