The Effects of Gender Inequality on Society and The Economy

The following research paper is about the effects of gender inequality on society and the economy. Gender inequality occurs everywhere in society, for instance, workplaces, it is discrimination towards both genders in different circumstances. Men have an upper hand in the society, whereas women are constantly misrepresented, not getting the recognition they deserve. Women are generally paid lesser than man in the same job. It is harder for women to attain a higher position in their career even with the achievements they have achieved, whether it is through education, numerous past experiences. Meanwhile, men are constantly offered with opportunities to succeed and excel in different aspects. 

The term “gender” refers to the male and female and “inequality” can be defined by having a lack of equality. It is therefore important for readers to gain insights into the different effects of gender inequality. In this research paper, the first effect that will be discussed is how biased treatments in STEM fields, followed by difficulty in returning the workforce, and lastly how equalising women’s pay can help the gross domestic product. The first effect of gender inequality is biased treatment in the workforce. Everyone is entitled to equal opportunities in employment. However, with the fixated mindset of individuals in this modern society, it is tough to even out fairly between men and women. Women are not able to move up to higher paid positions in their occupations as quickly as men. For example, occupations in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, where men strive well compared to women. Nevertheless, women who have achieved a certain degree in their education is still less likely to be employed in the STEM fields, whereas men have a higher chance to be hired regardless of what they have achieved. For instance, only 20-25 percent of women account in the STEM field globally, specifically computer-science and engineering. According to Catalyst Express (2018), being only 24 percent, women are a minority of STEM workers, they are paid lesser than men in their field but they do earn significantly more than workers in non-STEM jobs. Moreover, based on their work experiences such as being isolated in a male-dominated industry, about 32 percent of women in the United States, had contemplated leaving their jobs within a year. Given the statistics, it is evident that having women in a male-dominated industry is an issue as women are more likely to leave their jobs because of the absence of female role models, they can potentially work with. Therefore, due to gender inequality has affected women working in certain industries that they can excel in. 

The second effect of gender inequality is the difficulty in returning back to the workforce. It affects women, especially new mothers, who returns back from their maternity leave. These women have a hard time advancing to a higher level of their career due to the long break from work. Moreover, employers might partial against mothers as they are worried about their capability of meeting the demands in their job hence it is harder for them to climb up compared to the rest. It is totally unfair for mothers, particularly single-mothers who do not have a spouse to share their financial burdens with. Once they return back to work, mothers need to commit back in their jobs as well as to ensure that their child is doing alright at home. For working mothers, the common mindset to success is being prepared to handle any assignments at hand, in order to receive support and understanding from their employers. Above all, women have a need to take up such responsibilities, whereas men do not have huge responsibilities to take upon. Men are rewarded in terms of their income and is never interrupted in pursuing their career. According to Ferrante (2018), women who had become new mothers find themselves overwhelmed with the new responsibilities they would have to take up. Besides the work they are required to complete during office hours, they have to be concerned about the duties as a new mother. According to Miller (2014), men who are fathers benefit, they are more likely to be hired and have a higher income. Fathers are stereotyped to be more hardworking whereas women will neglect their workload. Given the statistics, it is evident that mothers who returns back to work after giving birth, face difficulties in juggling both work and her family. Therefore, gender inequality has taken control on how mothers need to manage both their work and their family, resulting in extra duties and responsibilities that can be too overwhelming at once, hence ensuring gender equality is important. 

The third effect of gender inequality is the drastic difference in the wage gap between both genders. It would be more beneficial for the economy if both genders, male and female have an equalised pay. Having equal pay for both men and women, it increases the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country. The rise of GDP in a country benefits not only the country but likewise its citizens. This implies that the standard of living for the citizens has significantly improved due to a rise in their income, therefore providing more on goods and services. This helps to resolve the issue of gender inequality as women are underpaid and unrecognised for the work they excel in. According to McKinsey&Company (2015), a total of $28 trillion of additional annual GDP can be contributed in 2025 if gender inequality is well- managed. Women are half the world’s working age population but they generate only 37 percent of GDP, 75 percent of the world’s total unpaid care is undertaken by women, which estimates as much as $10 trillion per annum, which corresponds to 13 percent of global GDP. According to Council on Foreign Relations (2018), by closing the pay gaps between both genders, the global GDP could potentially have an increase in 26 percent, benefiting both advanced and developing countries. Given the statistics, it is evident that there is a need to equalise the pay for both genders at a good cost so that it benefits both the economy and the social relationship. Therefore, by equalising the pay of both genders and closing the pay gap, it will strengthen social relationships, as well as having a positive perception in both society and economy context. 

In conclusion, this research paper has examined the effects of gender inequality on society and the economy, namely that there is discrimination between both genders in certain industries, mothers’ struggles of getting back to an initial position in a job, and a clear understanding of benefits to equalized pay. The research has clearly indicated that gender inequality is not necessary, it can be easily avoided by changing the mindset in society, while gender equality gives a variety of benefits to both society and the economy. However, this research is only limited to the United States which may not be a representative globally, thereby providing a one-sided view. Considering the results and as a final stand, gender inequality can simply be averted through having an open-mind, treating both genders with respect, not comparing or belittle one with the other. Both genders are equally as powerful and both are capable of doing anything right. Therefore, it would be wise to consider balancing out on responsibilities and expectations between genders of the male and the female.