Friday, 20 January 2012

GENDER INEQUALITIES

1. What gender inequality still exist today?
Basically, gender inequality refers to the differences between people due to gender. The social, economics and politics issues had caused inequality between men and women. In the society today, women usually have lesser opportunities, equal rights and privileges than men. For instance, women have less opportunity access to education and this indirectly increases women’s unemployment rate. The inequality in labour market is regarding the gender-based wage gaps which is women’s incomes was lower than men with the same job. Additionally, there are many violence issues against women especially domestic violence. In politics, women are less likely taking dominant role or making the crucial decisions. 

However, Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom proved that female can be participated in politics and she had raise awareness on women’s leadership. I think it is hard to have gender equality because of the stereotypes and prejudices. However, women deserved the equal rights and should be given chances to contribute equally.

2. What is glass ceiling? How can individuals break through glass ceiling?
Glass ceiling is an invisible obstacles that stops an individual to reach higher achievements or qualifications in corporations. Normally it is applied to women and minorities. To break through glass ceiling, individuals have to set and plan their own goals or things they want to achieve in a period of time. They have to work harder to reach their aims.

3. What are other forms of glass ceiling faced by those other than women?
Glass escalator benefits men and encourage them to move ahead. It is a rapid promotion of men over women in the workplace and usually the occupation is in female dominated fields such as nurses and flight attendants. Some minorities such as individuals from minority race or ethnicity might experience discrimination or harassment in the workplace. Apart from that, glass ceiling also faced by the minorities who are homosexual or single parents. Although they had the dedication, they might fail to get the promotion due to the discrimination.

Therefore, gender equality should not be underestimated. We have to overcome the barriers and stereotypes so individuals can equally contribute to society and benefit themselves and also their families.