Page 228 - SST Class 07
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Gender Discrimination
The term ‘gender’ is an often-heard term by all of food distribution, burden of household work,
us. It is something all of us experience on a daily lack of opportunities, restricted mobility, wife
basis. It, for example, determines who we are, battering, lack of opportunities for girls, lack of
what we will become, where we can and cannot inheritance to women. Foot binding in China,
go and so on. Our understanding of gender is Sati, Dowry system, ill treatment with widows
based on our family and society. For example, and child marriage in India, beauty contests in
men generally go out to work and women work contemporary societies are manifestations of
at home. But, the general perception of these patriarchy. The dichotomous nature of gender
different roles differs across communities around leads to the creation of inequality that manifests
the world. Most societies value men and women in numerous dimensions of daily life. Also, when
differently which is elaborated as under. distinctions are made between males and females
and differential treatment is meted out to boys
and girls, then there is gender inequality.
INEQUALITY IN SOCIETY: GENDER
DISTINCTION
1. Cultural Distinctions
Distinction between men and women and
subordination of women is fundamentally
justified on grounds of biological differ-
ences. The biological factor has been the
most important factor of justifying inequality
and oppression of women for centuries.
Discrimination is associated with prejudice and
2. Masculinity vs Feminist Hierarchy
regarded as objectionable. It may entail behav-
iour either to benefit an individual or disadvan- Certain traits of masculinity have been
tage of the individual concerned. Gender dis- identified to justly discrimination against
crimination refers to belief in relation to gender women. By hierarchy, men are supposed to
or a person which may or may not carry legal have masculine qualities of bravery and
consequences but are of social nature. confidence while women are supposed to
When we talk about gender discrimination, we have the feminist qualities of sensitivity and
talk about patriarchy which is a system of social shyness. The values that have been attrib-
structures and practices in which men dominate, uted to male and female hierarchy have
oppress and exploit women. It manifests itself in been produced by a range of institutions
son’s preference, discrimination against girls in and beliefs that symbolise boys and girls
differently.
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