Compare and Contrast Essay: Economic versus Gender Inequality

Introduction

The unequal perception or treatment of individuals partly or wholly because of their gender in many domains has critically dragged, majorly, women behind men both economically and socially. Gender inequality entails a traditional concept that both women and men are not equal in personal abilities and their choices have limitations as set by stereotypes, prejudice, and rigid gender roles. This paper looks at the effectiveness of a few approaches and programs that have been applied to improve economic gender equality.

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First, the World Health Organization reveals that approaching gender from the perspective of cultural norms has been the greatest undoing of many communities in the world. Some traditions bar women from advising their spouses to use contraceptives, which is a risk for women health. Equally, some cultures link smoking to masculinity that makes teenage boys vulnerable to lung cancer. Again, violent actions against women like domestic violence, bride price, a dowry, child marriage, female genital mutilation and forced marriage undermine economic gender equality.

On the other hand, affirmative action policies and legislation by governments such as giving women equal access to justice, gender mainstreaming, balanced political participation and decision making, combating sexism and violence against women, have all been effective in bringing positive changes in the society. Also, the idea of parental leave for both genders is hailed for creating freedom and defining ones roles as well as establishing new cycles of positive behavior, (Peacock and Barker, 2014).

Similarly efforts by UN agencies and other non-governmental organizations to fight inequality ranging from gender violence, harmful traditional practices, Education, and social and ideological space have born fruits in different parts of the world (Cuberes and Teignier, 2014). For example, the United Nations initiated a solidarity campaign dubbed 'HeForShe' for the improvement of gender equality. To a large extent, the program has been crucial in motivating all genders to be agents of transition and take action against negative behaviors faced by women and stereotypes.

Conclusion

Lastly, individual effort for personal improvement also works. According to Hobson (2017), women lack access to opportunistic network to gather information, hence are disadvantaged in negotiations since they are unaware of any economic opportunities that may arise. Therefore, Cathey's advice to both genders is to gain confidence and have work on failures to achieve the best. To achieve gender balance in economic and other spheres, respect for both gender rights is vital.

References

Cuberes, D., & Teignier, M. (2014). Gender inequality and economic growth: A critical review. Journal of International Development, 26(2), 260-276.

Hobson, J. (2017). Celebrity Feminism: More than a Gateway. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 42(4), 999-1007.

Peacock, D., & Barker, G. (2014). Working with men and boys to prevent gender-based violence: Principles, lessons learned, and ways forward. Men and Masculinities, 17(5), 578-599.