In this era of globalization and modernization, where the whole world is connected through technology, it is common to see that gender inequality still persists in various ways. Economic instability and social hierarchy are the main causes of gender-based discrimination and exclusion. This phenomenon occurs when people who belong to certain genders are deprived from opportunities, resources, or rights just because they belong to different gender groups. It affects women more than men due to their lack of access to education, economic freedom, political participation, property ownership, leadership positions, etc. The intersection between these factors can be understood as follows:
Economic stability determines how much income an individual has and how he/she spends it. When a person lives under poverty, it leads to a lack of resources that are required for survival and other needs. Women face more challenges than men do while earning money, even though both have equal abilities. They often get paid less for their work compared to male counterparts doing the same job or profession. Due to their role as caregivers at home, they have fewer chances of getting hired by employers who offer high salaries. Moreover, there are jobs that are considered suitable for either gender, which restricts their choices. In addition, if a woman gets married, she becomes financially dependent upon her husband and lacks control over her own finances. She also faces domestic violence for not contributing enough to the household expenses. All these lead to the exclusion of women from the labor market and denial of equal pay.
Social hierarchies determine one's position and status in society based on their class, race, religion, caste, ethnicity, etc. These divisions create power imbalance where some communities dominate others.
Poor people struggle for basic amenities like healthcare, housing, education, sanitation, electricity, etc. This situation is worse for single mothers with limited means because they need to take care of their children without support. Similarly, women belonging to minority groups suffer discrimination due to stereotypes about them in the community. As a result, they cannot enjoy the benefits of equality guaranteed by law. There may be social norms that favor certain genders over others, such as preferring sons over daughters in inheritance or property ownership. Such prejudices prevent women from accessing resources available only to males.
Sexual harassment and assault are common in professional environments and other places where people interact socially. Most cases go unreported because victims fear retaliation or victim-blaming. It shows how women are disadvantaged when they try to assert themselves against powerful men in positions of authority.
The intersection between economic instability and gender-based discrimination leads to an unequal distribution of wealth, which further exacerbates inequality within families. Poor households lack basic facilities like clean drinking water, nutritious food, proper shelter, etc., affecting both men and women equally. But due to gender roles, women have more responsibilities towards the household while men usually control financial matters. They also face domestic violence when they fail to fulfill these duties adequately.
Gender-based discrimination impacts mental and physical wellbeing, leading to increased stress levels and anxiety. Women are more likely to experience depression due to financial burdens and psychological abuse from partners. In contrast, men who belong to lower socioeconomic classes tend to resort to alcoholism or drug addiction to cope with their situation.
It is crucial to address this issue at various levels - governmental policies, corporate practices, community initiatives, etc. The government should enforce laws against gender-based discrimination and provide opportunities for women's participation in politics, education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Corporations must promote diversity in hiring by offering flexible working hours, fair wages, safe workplaces, etc. The community can spread awareness through media campaigns about the importance of respecting all genders equally. NGOs and charitable organizations can offer counseling services to victims of domestic abuse and sexual harassment.
Economic instability, social hierarchy, and gender bias go hand in hand, creating an unfair environment that denies equal rights to everyone.
Economic instability and social hierarchies intersect with gender-based discrimination and exclusion because both factors create obstacles for women's empowerment. It leads to unequal access to resources, education, employment, property ownership, leadership positions, and decision-making power. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach involving governments, corporations, communities, and individuals. With concerted efforts, we can build a more inclusive society where no one gets left behind due to their gender identity.
How do economic instability and social hierarchies intersect with gender-based discrimination and exclusion?
Economic instability and social hierarchies are two major factors that intersect with gender-based discrimination and exclusion. Economic instability can lead to increased poverty rates among women who may not have access to financial resources or job opportunities, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Additionally, social hierarchies often perpetuate gender roles and expectations, leading to unequal power dynamics between men and women in the workplace and at home.