He didn't care much about imposed gender roles. He was open minded and only wanted for Scout to be happy and to be a good person. He didn't mind if she behaved like boys did as long as she grew up to be a good person who helps others and is compassionate. This is opposed to the beliefs of her Aunt which believes that Scout should not behave as she is behaving and that she should wear dresses and learn manners like a lady and be more lady-like, as she describes it. Atticus doesn't care about things like this and cares about Scout's upbringing as a person more.
To emphasize the natural rights people had.
Most Greek city-states, Athens I believe as well.
Lower class women worked as maids.
Middle class women worked as teachers or secretaries.
Some only had these jobs because of the war, they had to step in and help. Once the war was over many wanted to keep their jobs.
Some women worked until they got married and had children, then they stayed at home. This is what most women in did, it was unlikely that women went to university and had their own careers.