She set out to challenge gender roles and stereotypes of African-American women through her goal of attending college to become a doctor. In African Americans and the Birth of the Modern Marriage, Franklin explains two factors that encourage black women to pursue academic achievement. “The first was the high likelihood that married black women also needed to find work outside the home. Furthermore, many Black women sought to avoid the degradation of domestic service, seen as a continuation of the oppression experienced during slavery” (Franklin, 2010, p. 69). Beneatha also demonstrates that she challenges gender roles by taking guitar lessons and through her friendship with Asagai, who makes her feel like she is connected to her African origins. Additionally, George is trying to pursue a relationship with Beneatha, but seems to believe in traditional gender roles in what he expects from a woman: “I know you [like to talk] and sometimes I don't mind… I want you to give us a cut, you see – The moody stuff, I like it. You're a cute girl... all the way around they see. Be happy about it.