Gender Inequality – Meaning, Types, and Effects
Meaning of Gender inequality: Equality is when several people or things are treated as equal. Inequality is when some people or things are privileged over others. So, it follows that gender inequality is when one or more genders are privileged over others.
Gender inequality means treating people unequally because of their gender. People of all genders ought to be treated equally. Inequality means treating people unequally.
It refers to the biased behavior in favor of men at various sections of the society, both within home and workplaces.
Types of gender inequality.
Ideological: the idea that one gender is better than others.
Economic: paying people of one gender more than others.
Legal: laws that treat one gender in a more privileged fashion.
Opportunity related: giving more opportunities to people of one gender.
Emotional: talking disparagingly about people of a certain gender compared to others.
Harmful effects of gender inequality.
Social effects: gender inequality has, unfortunately, shaped many of our societies and traditions.
Loss of talent: when we nurture the talents of one gender more than others, our talent pool is diminished.
Confidence based: treating people of a certain gender disparagingly can harm their confidence.
Emotional: discriminating against people of one gender can cause great sadness and stress.
Economic: discrimination can cause one gender to be – overall – richer than others.
Conclusion: The human race cannot be said to be free unless all of its members are free. If women are being oppressed or denigrated, then the whole community that they are a part of is not free.
We must all oppose gender inequality. Tackling poverty and negative attitudes to girls and women, and providing free and accessible education for all are crucial steps for gender equality.
