If women worked, they were likely to be nurses or secretaries who would earn far less money, and the men were always the bosses. Today's society is very different from the old stereotypes of the past. Along time ago the traditional family was made up of a husband, wife, kids and a station wagon. Today, the gay community have come out of the closet and men and men are living together and women and women are lovers, too. Women are C.E.O.'s of companies, some own their own businesses, some are lawyers and doctors, roles assumed only by men for over the centuries.
Women are very aggressive, too, today and they do really fight for their rights and recognition.
Men really feel intimidated, but times have changed. Several decades ago, it was unheard of to have a female minister. Today, many denominations ordain female ministers. Some conservative religious groups like the Southern Baptists are very opposed to this, including the likes of Jerry Farwell's fundamentalist groups. As the impossible comes to reality, the catholic church will one day follow this trend.