Tonya Clark
American Public University
Introduction
Gender differences and many subsequent gender-related issues are among the relevant issues in our society today. As the years pass by, our society had come to address gender-related issues, such as gender inequality, in a more comprehensive and varied perspective. Gender inequality or the imposing of oppression and privilege on certain genders, may likewise be defined according to a perspective of choice (Leon-Guerrero, 2015). Furthermore, this paper will focus on gender inequality and the different perspectives regarding it. In addition, concepts will also be utilized to understand gender inequality.
Body
Terms and Concepts
Sex is the physiological differences between females and males while gender is the social construct regarding the sexes. Sexism, on the other hand, is the prejudice based on someone’s physiological characteristics regarding sex. One gender may oppress another gender and receive privileges, thus producing inequality. Gender inequality is manifested in the workplace, in public offices, and in the health care. Women receive less salary (average of 77 cents for every dollar a man earns), granted fewer positions in the public office, and suffer health complications because health insurance would not cover their contraception (Leon-Guerrero, 2015). Likewise, many perspectives are present that analyze the root cause of gender inequality.
Perspectives or Approaches
The first sociological approach among four approaches towards gender inequality is the Functionalist Perspective which looks at gender inequality as an inevitable event due to the division of household duties by gender or “gendered division of labor”. In addition, the functionalist perspective views gender inequality as a necessity for the society as each role complement another and failure to abide by gender roles are believed to cause the increasing statistics in divorce and poor child rearing. The second and third perspectives, the Conflict and Feminist Perspectives, define gender inequality as the product of the abilities of the people that may produce changes in the society. These perspectives also emphasize that men, being in a higher position in both social and cultural settings will keep their position to keep women as their subordinate. Lastly, Interactionist Perspective views language and interaction as a means for categorization between the genders. That is, our languages, norms, beliefs, and values about genders had reinforced gender differences. Furthermore, other approaches are present regarding gender inequality such as the view that defines gender inequality as the product of established knowledge that women in general have smaller brain than men and are likewise not fit for warfare, public affairs and leading a family. The four sociological approaches are different from the other approaches as they base on the constructs that were created by the society itself. The latter perspective that takes into account the biological differences between the genders likewise take note of the actual physiological differences (Leon-Guerrero, 2015). Some problems may be considered important while some are because of the differences in the priorities that are shaped by interactions, social reinforcements, among others. People may also treat a problem with more attention if it them, or the people surrounding them.
Conclusion
Gender inequality is present and has been present in the society. Moreover, it is important that gender inequality is now addressed as a problem by certain groups and individuals rather than a norm which will lead to reinforcement and more oppression and sexism. Likewise, knowing the concepts and perspectives regarding gender inequality may allow the formation of a better solution to address the issue as these concepts and perspectives provide the root causes and insights on how the society may form and abolish social constructs
References
Leon-Guerrero, A. (2015). Social Problems (5th ed.). Los Angeles, California: Sage Publications.
