Gender Inequalities: Stereotyping Gender Discrimination

GENDER INEQUALITIES: STEREOTYPING GENDER
DISCRIMINATION
Over the years, issues regarding gender in our society have been one of the hot topics for
arguments and debates. Taking into account, gender norms are social behavior that
encompasses the roles and responsibilities that are considered acceptable and appropriate for
a person, based on their gender. However, the standard of men and women in society made an
impact causing imbalance and unequal treatment -- known as gender discrimination.
So, what is “Gender Discrimination”? Gender discrimination, also known as sexual

discrimination, is any action that specifically denies opportunities, privileges, or rewards to a
person or a group because of gender (“Inc. Editorial”, 2020). According to Langston University,
gender discrimination is an unequal or disadvantageous treatment of an individual or group of
individuals based on gender. While Cambridge dictionary defined it as a situation in which
someone is treated less well because of their sex, usually when a woman is treated less well
than a man. It affects everyone, including men. Stereotypes or ‘rules’ about how women and
men, girls, and boys should begin in childhood and follow us through to adulthood. Not
everyone experiences inequality the same way. The situation is worse, and often different, for
people who face more than one type of discrimination.
As stated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (2020), there are four main types of
gender discrimination. The first one is direct discrimination that happens when, because of your
sex, someone treats you worse than someone of the opposite sex who is in a similar situation.
The second type is indirect discrimination, it is when an organization has a particular policy or
way of working that applies in the same way to both sexes but which puts you at a
disadvantage because of your sex. Another type of gender discrimination is harassment,
wherein someone makes you feel humiliated, offended, or degraded because they treat you in
a sexual way. This is known as 'unwanted conduct of a sexual nature' and covers verbal and
physical treatment, like sexual comments or jokes, touching, or assault. It also covers sending
emails of a sexual nature or putting up pornographic pictures. The last one is victimization; this
is when you are treated badly because you have made a complaint about sex-related
discrimination under the Equality Act. It can also occur if you are supporting someone who has
made a complaint of sex discrimination.
In light of this, gender discrimination can also be defined as sexism and prejudicial treatment
against men and women in society. Women are more prevalent in gender discrimination, for
the reason that women's ability is being underestimated in various aspects such as in the
workplace, leadership roles, and men are more likely privileged than women.
The gender discrimination in workplaces involves treating someone unfavorably because of the
person’s sex, whether they are applying for a job or are a current employee. Although women
have made clear they have the ability to perform the same skill and success in every endeavor
engaged in by men, the issue of sex discrimination still holds many backs. In a report by HR in
Asia, it was found out that 76 percent of female respondents in the Philippines deal with
inequality and prejudice in the workplace, with 17 percent admitting to being questioned about
their desire to have a family during the interview process. This is major problem women have to
face in the workplace. They are deprived of basic rights at the workplace and often harassed by
their co-workers. Just because they are females, they are not assigned jobs which they are
capable of doing. Even bosses sometimes treat women unfairly. In many workplaces, women
are a minority. Therefore, females are always under the pressure from the work environment.
Sometimes, even customers target female employees.
In the matter of leadership, it is believed that men have a better shot at the leadership position
in business and politics. In fact, men outpace women in leadership roles across every sector in
the world whether it is corporate, nonprofit, government, education, medicine, military, and
religion. In a study conducted by Pew Research Center, about four-in-ten believe higher
standards for women and lack of readiness by companies to hire women for top positions and
by voters to elect women to the higher office are major reasons that there aren’t more women
in top leadership roles in business and politics. Other reasons, such as family responsibilities,
inexperience, or women not being tough enough, are cited less frequently as significant barriers
to female leadership.
Whilst in educational institutions gender inequality has also been experienced. Girls have been
discriminated against in terms of various aspects as compared to their male counterparts. The
primary aspect in terms of gender inequality has been experienced is in participation. The
students are required to participate in several areas in educational institutions. Girls were
provided with fewer participation opportunities as compared to their male counterparts and
hence, it led to the prevalence of gender inequality.
With this information, one could say that gender inequalities are more likely to arise in women.
In fact, women are often less valued and have lower social status despite having the potential
and abilities to perform and compete with men in society. But Dr. Robert Blum, who already
has a 40-year-long career in public health, conducted a study wherein he shows how “gender
straightjacket”–that boys are aggressors and girls are weak–are harmful to both boys and girls.
These strict gender norms are stifling both boys and girls. He also added that these stereotypes
also extend to men later in life, with serious consequences. Dr. Blum believes that gender
conversations should not be solely focused on women and girls. Then, men and boys can be
more engaged, and they need to be engaged early on.
In conclusion, most people still see gender issues as women’s issues, even though the strict
definition of gender encompasses male, female, and other gender identities.

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GENDER INEQUALITIES: STEREOTYPING GENDER

So, what is “Gender Discrimination”? Gender discrimination, also known as sexual

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