English 113a Major Essay Project 3: Men Within

English 113a Major Essay Project 3major Essay 3if Men Within Themse

Choose an American Custom to question. Historicize this Custom, make an argument for why it should no longer be followed, and provide a practical and detailed revision for a replacement Custom. In a thesis-driven, argumentative essay, argue why your chosen Custom should no longer be followed and how it should be altered to fit into today’s society.

Using your own personal research, address this issue in an objective manner without using any personal narrative. As this is an argumentative essay, the goal of your writing should be to persuade your audience to agree with your position. The purpose of this essay is to convey to your audience why Customs should not be blindly followed. Certain Customs are in effect because they are handed down from generation to generation but do not necessarily apply to today’s societal needs. It is your job to question these Customs and provide a logical argument as to why others should question these Customs as well.

Paper For Above instruction

The preservation and perpetuation of cultural Customs are often viewed as integral to societal identity and continuity. However, certain American Customs, deeply rooted in history, may no longer serve the societal objectives they once did, or may even hinder societal progress. This essay examines the American custom of the "Male Retirement" tradition, questioning its relevance and highlighting the need for its revision to align with contemporary values of gender equality and individual freedom.

The custom of male retirement, historically, was established during the industrial age when men were primarily viewed as breadwinners, expected to work until reaching a certain age and then withdraw from active employment to make way for younger men. This practice was heavily influenced by economic structures that prioritized generational change and survival of enterprises. Its institutionalization was reinforced by social norms that associated masculinity with lifelong employment, and retirement was seen as a rite of passage that symbolized a man's transition from productivity to leisure. These origins explain why the custom was created, rooted in economic necessity and gendered expectations prevalent during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Over time, societal attitudes toward gender roles and individual fulfillment have evolved significantly. Today, the assumption that men should retire en masse at a certain age disregards individual capabilities, desires, and economic realities. Moreover, such customs perpetuate stereotypes that define aging solely in terms of incapacity, which can negatively impact older men’s mental and physical health, economic stability, and societal contributions. This necessitates questioning whether the traditional male retirement motion aligns with modern principles of equality, personal choice, and economic pragmatism.

One key argument for discontinuing and revising the custom lies in its potential economic inefficiency. As increasing numbers of older men remain active in the workforce, the economy benefits from their experience and skills. For instance, studies indicate that older workers contribute significantly to productivity and mentorship programs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). Forcing older men into retirement exclusively based on age disregards these contributions and unnecessarily weakens the labor market. Furthermore, the stereotypical expectation that men must retire at a set age reinforces ageism and gender bias, contradicting contemporary initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.

Counterarguments often rest on the notion that retirement provides necessary health and social benefits, allowing older men to pursue leisure and familial roles. Critics argue that continuing work beyond traditional retirement age could impair health or reduce job opportunities for younger workers. However, evidence increasingly suggests that flexible retirement policies and part-time work options can address these concerns while respecting individual choices (Jacobs & Weir, 2017). It becomes evident that the rigid enforcement of a retirement age is outdated and counterproductive, impeding personal well-being and economic adaptability.

A practical and detailed revision involves replacing the uniform retirement age with a flexible, individualized approach. This framework advocates for voluntary retirement, flexible work arrangements, and continuous skill development, encouraging older men to remain active in ways suited to their health and desires. Instituting policies that promote lifelong employability—such as retraining programs, phased retirement options, and incentives for companies to retain older workers—would help align the custom with contemporary needs. Additionally, societal attitudes should shift to value continued employment and contribution irrespective of age, dismantling stereotypes associated with aging and gender roles.

In conclusion, the traditional custom of male retirement, although historically justified, no longer appropriately serves modern societal needs or values. Its roots in economic necessity and gender stereotypes are incompatible with current principles of individual autonomy, economic efficiency, and equality. By implementing flexible, personalized retirement options and promoting a culture that values ongoing contribution regardless of age, society can create a more inclusive environment that respects individual choices and maximizes societal benefits. Such a revision not only modernizes an outdated Custom but also reflects the evolving fabric of American societal ideals centered around fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all individuals.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020). The role of older workers in the economy. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov
• Jacobs, J. A., & Weir, D. (2017). Flexible retirement policies and their impact on older workers. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 29(3), 238-254.
• Smith, L. (2015). Age stereotypes and retirement policies. Societal Perspectives, 22(4), 45-52.
• Foner, N. (2016). American retirement traditions and changing demographics. gerontology Today, 37(1), 10-15.
• Kim, H., & Lee, S. (2018). Gender roles and aging workforce. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 29(9), 1495-1514.
• Johnson, P., & Lee, M. (2019). Retirement age discrimination and policy reforms. Public Policy & Aging Report, 29(2), 42-47.
• O'Neill, B. (2017). Ageism in employment: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Workforce Development, 11(3), 159-174.
• Williams, R. (2014). The socioeconomic impacts of retirement customs. Economic Review, 36(2), 134-145.
• Evans, C., & Parker, J. (2019). Reimagining retirement: Flexibility and choice in aging. Gerontology & Social Policy, 45(4), 412-427.
• Torres, M. (2021). Challenging stereotypes of aging and gender: Policy implications. Journal of Social Change, 50(2), 210-226.