Gender is a socially constructed concept that refers to cultural expectations for men and women based on their biological characteristics. These societal norms can be observed in various aspects of life, including language, dress codes, occupations, physical appearance, roles, and responsibilities.
They are often unconscious and implicit, making them challenging to identify and change. The social construct of gender has had significant implications on the way people interact, communicate, and relate with one another, which includes how they view human rights and equality. This article will explore the ways in which the social construction of gender influences philosophical theories of human rights and equality.
In philosophical circles, there have been debates about the meaning and definition of human rights and equality since time immemorial. Some scholars argue that human rights are inherent and natural while others believe that they are legal, political, or social constructs that depend on culture, history, and traditions. Similarly, equality means different things to different people as it relates to race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, ability, and class. While some contend that everyone should enjoy equal access to resources regardless of their differences, others assert that all individuals deserve similar opportunities but may not achieve identical outcomes because of their varying abilities, circumstances, and choices.
The social construction of gender has played a significant role in shaping these ideas. Historically, societies across the globe have assigned specific roles and responsibilities to men and women based on their sex, resulting in unequal treatment and discrimination.
Women were confined to domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, child rearing, and taking care of the sick while men engaged in public activities like farming, hunting, fishing, or going to war. As such, women could not exercise freedom to participate in public affairs, education, economic enterprise, and politics.
These norms limited women's autonomy, leading to widespread inequality in various spheres, including employment, healthcare, education, marriage, inheritance, property ownership, and decision-making processes. The subordination of women also resulted in violence against them, limiting their access to justice and other fundamental rights. In some cultures, women cannot inherit land or properties, and they cannot own property independently. In many parts of the world, females are subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriages, dowry payment, domestic servitude, and other harmful cultural practices.
Sexuality is another area where gender influences human rights and equality. While heterosexual relationships are considered normal and acceptable, homosexual relationships are often taboo, discouraged, criminalized, and punished. This situation makes it difficult for people with alternative sexual orientation to enjoy equal opportunities, safety, respect, and dignity.
The social construction of gender has led to a lack of recognition of individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, intersex, or queer. These groups have been excluded from existing societal structures that assume everyone fits into two sex categories (male or female) based on biological differences. They may face discrimination, harassment, and marginalization, making it challenging to access essential services like housing, education, employment, medical care, and legal protection.
The social construct of gender has influenced philosophical theories about political power and authority.
Patriarchy is an ideology that views men as superior to women, which justifies their dominance over women in all spheres of life. This belief system promotes male privilege, oppression, violence against women, and denial of their rights. Patriarchal systems are widespread in various cultures, including religion, politics, economics, and family institutions, leading to unequal opportunities, decision-making processes, and resource distribution. Some feminists argue that this system must be dismantled for true equality to prevail.
The social construction of gender influences philosophical ideas about human rights and equality by limiting opportunities for certain groups based on their perceived sexual characteristics. The ideals of human rights and equality should not exclude anyone because of their sex, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, class, age, religion, language, or any other characteristic. Rather than being dependent on cultural norms, they should be universal principles that apply equally to everyone regardless of their background. Governments and civil society organizations should create policies and initiatives to ensure equal opportunities and protection for all members of society.
In what ways does the social construction of gender influence philosophical theories of human rights and equality?
The social construction of gender refers to the way that society shapes the understanding of masculinity and femininity. It includes cultural norms, expectations, behaviors, roles, and identities associated with being male or female. These constructions are shaped by historical, political, economic, and religious factors as well as individual experiences. The social construction of gender has been an important factor in the development of philosophical theories of human rights and equality, which seek to establish equal treatment for all individuals regardless of their gender identity.