In the world of Astoria, gender roles have been reversed. Women are the dominant figures in society, while men are taught from a young age to be submissive and obedient. It started centuries ago when a female-led rebellion overthrew the male rulers, and since then, the roles have not shifted.
Boys are taught from childhood that their place is at the feet of a mistress. They are educated on how to please their Mistress, serve her every need, and cater to her whims. They are required to be subservient to even the lowest-ranking women in society. It's not uncommon for men to be trained as sex slaves or work in service industries catering exclusively to women.
On the other hand, girls are brought up to be the dominant ones in society. They are trained to be assertive, confident and independent. They are encouraged to take on leadership roles in all aspects of life, from politics to business. The highest positions in the government and corporations are reserved for women. Men are not allowed to hold any significant positions of power.
This hierarchy of power manifests in various aspects of everyday life. For one, women are allowed to go topless in public, while men are required to have their bodies fully covered. Furthermore, men are not allowed to have jobs outside of service industries or sex work, and even then, they are only paid minimum wage.
Despite the stark difference in roles, the society of Astoria is thriving. The government is stable, and crime rates are low. However, this model of society does come with challenges, which are often overlooked. There is a high incidence of mental health issues and depression amongst men as they struggle to find their place in society. Many feel emasculated by their role, and the societal pressure to conform.
For the women, on the other hand, there is intense pressure to live up to the societal expectations of strength and dominance. There is a culture of toxic femininity, where aggression and competitiveness thrive, and any sign of weakness is frowned upon.
Despite the drawbacks, the people of Astoria are content with their way of life. They believe that the gendered roles are the key to their success as a society. To them, it is a world where men and women live in harmony, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
However, as the world develops, and people from outside Astoria start asking questions, the people of Astoria begin to wonder if they might have been wrong all along. Perhaps, true harmony can only come when individuals are free to choose their roles, regardless of gender.
