The Issue of Gender Equality: a Review of Literature

Various events and studies have changed or improved the perception of young men and women regarding gender roles in society. There is a suggestion in every society that men and women should be engaged in different activities, possess different motivations and wear different clothing. This paper discusses the impacts of gender messages from various articles and their impacts on the gender perception of the audiences, mainly children and adolescents. The messages can encourage accommodation or resistance to gender practices among children or adolescents. The perception of gender in different social groups has led to calls for gender equality as women have been thought to be neglected. Studies have been conducted to discuss the issue of gender inequality. While some people oppose gender equality, others support it.

According to Corbett et al (2014), there is no ideal definition of gender. The authors state that the definition of gender is not related to femininity, masculinity, female or male. There are many situations where these descriptions do not seem to apply and hence the authors consider gender to be something like color, to identify or differentiate individuals. Some people tend to have milder kind of valence while others may have high saturated genders. There is a lot of variation when it comes to different individuals. The authors suggest to the audiences that they should go beyond the typical definition of gender that relates to the roles given by society (Corbett et al., 2014). This move may be understood as a way to support gender equality. The authors suggest that a contemporary definition should be adopted, one that eliminates the roles of men and women in society. Therefore, the messages in this resource support gender equality.

Fausto-Sterling (2005) challenges both feminist and biomedical theories, in his study about the composition of human bones. The author notices that there is a difference between the composition and strengths of bones in each gender. The features of bones in individuals are considered to be as a result of their lifestyles. However, according to Fausto-Sterling (2005), the problems arising in relation to bone fractures are more related to biological issues than lifestyle factors. It is difficult to talk about gender and sex without considering the formation of bones. Bones form as a result of past experiences which relate to the culture in which a person belongs. The message in this source opposes gender equality proposed in the feminist and biomedical theories. According to the authors, the current definition of sex and gender fails to consider the contribution of culture in the development of bone structure in different individuals. There should, therefore, be an alternative definition of the terms gender and sex in relation to one’s culture.

Hulko (2009) writes an article that attempts to analyze the nature of privilege and oppression. The author attempts to understand the interlocking and intersectionality of oppression in society. Various groups of people including women and lesbians are subjected to different types of oppression that are interlocked. The author uses different sources in an attempt to understand the connection between the oppression that is experienced by different groups. Hulko (2009) understands that identity categories are interactive, contingent, and indivisible and are spatial and temporary. Understanding the nature and interconnectivity of the elements of oppression and privilege can act as an entry point for change. There is a need for change to save some groups from oppression (Hulko, 2009). The first step towards change is to understand that the elements of oppression are interconnected and temporary. The author seems to pass a message in support of gender equality.

According to Hyde (2005), males and females are similar in many psychological aspects. This argument is in contrast with the popular argument that men and women differ significantly in their psychological aspects. This argument is referred to as gender similarity hypothesis. Hyde (2005) argues that the perception of genders differing psychologically has carried substantial costs in relationships and workplaces. The argument in the gender similarity hypothesis is that both males and females are similar in most, but not all aspects. This information is supported by a number of studies. We should consider the costs of perceptions that men and women are different. These claims can cause harms in many realms which include the role of women in society. Hyde (2005) shares a message that supports gender equality. She states that considering genders to be different is costly.

According to Morrongiello and Hogg (2004), mothers depicted different reactions in relation to their children’s’ behaviors. The mothers tend to punish their sons when they engage in bad behaviors while they express their disappointment in their daughters when they do so. Mothers also believe they can influence the risk-taking behaviors of their daughters as opposed to their sons. This is in contrast with research that suggests that more boys are at risk of injuries compared to girls. Parents are likely to put in place more measures to prevent their daughters from injuries compared to the measures they would put for boys. The increase in cases of injuries in boys shows that both genders are in the same risk of injuries. This information shows that there is discrimination of boys when it comes to protection. This message can, therefore, be used to advocate for gender equality by calling for equal protection of children regardless of their gender.

Reid and Comas-Diaz (1990) review and discuss the role of ethnicity and gender as status variables. The study identifies the failure of gender research to consider ethnic or racial issues and the failure of racial studies to consider gender issues. The article intends to make a contribution to the resistance of gender homogenization. Gender is the main contributor to an individual’s social status. The article states that the role of gender in studying issues such as race has been underestimated. Both gender and race play a major role in social status and it is surprising how scientists fail to consider their interactive effects (Reid & Comas-Diaz, 1990). In this article, the authors indicate the importance of gender in defining social status. Therefore, the authors are in support of gender inequality as they notice the role that gender plays in defining one’s social status.

Shapiro & Williams (2012) explore the risks of gender stereotypes related to math abilities. According to them, the negative attitudes regarding the abilities of women in math are transmitted to girls from their parents and teachers. Environmental factors also impact the gender-related math attitudes. These attitudes result in negative attitudes of girls regarding careers in science, engineering, and technology (Shapiro & Williams, 2012). The failure of women in these fields can influence their social status. The message in this article can be used to deal with the issue of gender inequality. Gender-related math stereotype needs to be eliminated to help women to improve their performance. Therefore, the authors support the issue of gender equality in education.

According to Shields (2008), intersectionality is an essential aspect that can be used to inform feminist theories. Intersectionality refers to the relationship between social identities. It has become one of the primary elements in feminist theories. Understanding the connection between the factors influencing gender helps one to understand how the position of girls and women in society can be improved. Intersectionality is vital in discussing gender issues as it is a central concern in modern feminist psychology. The author states that an understanding between the factors influencing women should be understood and linked. This will enable scholars to have an effective understanding of feminist theory. The message in this article supports gender equality by proposing a multidimensional approach to studying the role of women in society.

This paper has discussed different messages from different authors regarding gender roles. The authors have used findings from other studies to discuss the issue of equality. Most of the gender roles in society are influenced by cultures. Most of the messages support gender equality as one of the ways to improve productivity in society. According to supporters of gender equality, gender inequality is likely to hurt the productivity of women in society. The articles present messages that are verifiable and can be used to influence the perception of adolescents and children about gender roles.

References

• Corbett, K., Dimen, M., Goldner, V., & Harris, A. (2014). Talking sex, talking gender—A roundtable. Studies in Gender and Sexuality, 15(4), 295-317.
• Fausto-Sterling, A. (2005). The bare bones of sex: part 1—sex and gender. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 30(2), 1491-1527.
• Hulko, W. (2009). The time-and context-contingent nature of intersectionality and interlocking oppressions. Affilia, 24(1), 44-55.
• Hyde, J. S. (2005). The gender similarities hypothesis. American psychologist, 60(6), 581.
• Morrongiello, B. A., & Hogg, K. (2004). Mothers' reactions to children misbehaving in ways that can lead to injury: Implications for gender differences in children's risk taking and injuries. Sex Roles, 50(1-2), 103-118.
• Reid, P. T., & Comas-Diaz, L. (1990). Gender and ethnicity: Perspectives on dual status. Sex roles, 22(7-8), 397-408.
• Shapiro, J. R., & Williams, A. M. (2012). The role of stereotype threats in undermining girls’ and women’s performance and interest in STEM fields. Sex Roles, 66(3-4), 175-183.
• Shields, S. A. (2008). Gender: An intersectionality perspective. Sex roles, 59(5-6), 301-311.