Bushido, the code of conduct followed by the samurai in feudal Japan, was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and Shintoism. It emphasized principles such as loyalty, honor, and self-discipline, and played a significant role in shaping the values and beliefs of samurai society. However, when it comes to the impact of Bushido on gender roles, the answer is not straightforward.

On one hand, Bushido did not explicitly address gender roles, as it focused more on the virtues and duties of a warrior regardless of their gender. In fact, there were female warriors known as onna-bugeisha who followed the code of Bushido and were respected for their bravery and skill in battle. This suggests that Bushido did not restrict women from participating in the military or from being seen as equals to men in terms of their abilities.

However, on the other hand, the traditional societal norms and expectations placed on women in feudal Japan were still prevalent. Women were expected to be obedient, modest, and fulfill their roles as wives and mothers. This was in stark contrast to the values of Bushido, which emphasized independence and self-discipline. As a result, women were not expected to adhere to the code of Bushido in the same way as men. They were not encouraged to pursue martial arts or engage in combat, and their roles were limited to supporting the samurai and their families.

Moreover, the concept of seppuku, or ritual suicide, was an integral part of Bushido. It was seen as an honorable way for a samurai to die rather than being captured or facing defeat. However, this practice was only reserved for men, and women were not allowed to perform seppuku. This further reinforces the idea that Bushido had a different set of expectations for men and women in samurai society.

In conclusion, while Bushido did not explicitly dictate gender roles, its influence on society still perpetuated traditional gender norms. Women were not seen as equal to men in terms of their roles and abilities, and were not expected to adhere to the code of Bushido in the same way. However, the existence of female warriors and their recognition for their bravery challenges the notion that Bushido completely restricted women's roles in samurai society.