Essay about Gender Inequality
Probably all people who consider themselves feminists and feminists at some point were asked the question: we are a modern country, we have equality between men and women, equal access to education and work – what else are you fighting for? At least they ask me it regularly. And in this lecture I want to talk about what gender inequality is and how it can be overcome, that is, achieve gender equality, why equality at the level of rights in this case is not enough, and, finally, what does feminism have to do with it.
In general, we can say about the category of gender inequality that it is twice significant. On the one hand, the issue of gender inequality and ways to overcome it is at the core of academic gender studies and feminist thought. That is, gender inequality is a category of critical theory. On the other hand, issues of gender inequality in the modern world have acquired social and political significance. Serious international organizations like the World Bank calculate gender equality indices and compile country ratings in accordance with this index. Experts from the International Economic Forum write about the relationship between the level of gender equality in a particular country and the level of its economic development, and the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers recently issued international recommendations on combating sexism.
Social and humanities research can often seem out of touch with reality. But the problem of gender equality is an exception in this sense. Scientific theories have practical implications here. Different perceptions of gender inequality are reflected in political decisions, and this ultimately affects the daily lives of men and women.
Usually, when people talk about gender inequality, they mean that women are at a disadvantage in one way or another compared to men. For example, that in the same positions they receive lower salaries, and their career opportunities are limited. Sexual exploitation and domestic violence against women can also be classified as manifestations of gender inequality. However, in reality this is a more complex phenomenon. It can take many different forms depending on the economic and social structure of a particular society. For example, in previous lectures it has already been discussed that the problem of gender inequality can affect men as well. Men belonging to a range of social groups may be in a vulnerable position: non-heterosexual men or unemployed men.
