Gender Inequalities and Women Empowerment

College of Western Idaho

Addressing Gender Inequality

In the Work Force

Madison Weston

English 102 - 011W

Leslie Jewkes

March 12, 2013

Abstract

Addressing gender inequalities in Idaho and in the United States is a current goal, locally and globally. Promoting gender equality and women empowerment is necessary for better working relationships and environments. Disempowerment of women in both Idaho and across the United States is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because without examining biases the issue will never change. These are the main point that will be discussed and reviewed. Promoting gender equality and women empowerment should be necessary for better working environments.

Addressing Gender Inequality

Every person is familiar with biases; we see, hear and have biased interactions every day. Globally we are working together, acknowledging the problem of gender inequality and reaching for the solutions. According to the United Nations website, our goal is to promote gender equality, and empower women to fight against discrimination (Department of Public Information). This goal is one of the eight Millennium Developmental Goals, which all 191 United Nations members have agreed to try and achieve by 2015(Department of public information). Promoting gender equality and women empowerment should be necessary for better working environments. Gender inequalities is not only a global issue, there are problems with inequality and discrimination here in the U.S. and in Idaho.

Disempowerment of women in both Idaho and across the United States is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because with out examining biases the issue will never change.

Inequality Across History

Looking throughout our past history, we find examples of gender inequalities suggesting this is not just a current issue. The first acts for Equality Rights began around 1850; hopes for social, economic, and political gender equality was know as Feminism (Brunell 2007). The idea of gender equality due to issues and problems has been dated back to before the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries. According to author Laura Brunell, there have been three waves in the acts of feminism (Brunell 2007). The first wave between 1848 and 1920 “focused primarily on obtaining the full legal personhood and the political enfranchisement of women (Brunell 2007).” The second was between 1963 and 1990, this wave also pushed for these goals and unfortunately lost, yet began the Equal Rights Movement (Brunell 2007). Resulting from these waves came ideas for women empowerment, the National Organization of Women, and the civil rights act of 1964 (Brunell 2007). From past to present gender inequality issues are still a concern and a known factor for work environments.

Many important woman figures had a role in the act, and have played into the movement for equal rights. Lucretia Mott and Susan B. Anthony were two women who led the first wave of action towards rights of equality with the passing of the 19^th amendment (Brunell 2007). Margaret Floy Washburn, and Mary Calkins also had an impact; they impacted the workforce from their problems with inequalities in the education system. After Harvard refused Mary Calkins the degree she earned, Washburn became the first women to receive a psychology PhD (Meyers 2012). According to David Meyers, in the late 1800’s psychology, like most fields, was a man’s world (Meyers 2012).

William James helped break that mold when he accepted Mary Calkins as his student. Although Calkins went on to outscore all the male students on the Ph.D. exams, Harvard University denied her a degree. In its place she was told, she could have a degree from Radcliffe College, Harvard’s sister school for women. Calkins turned down the offer, but continued her work (Meyers 2012). This is a strong example of how gender biases began with our ancestors’ seed. Through these and similar events inequalities have been passed down through generations.

Bringing focus to origin and looking forward to recent events, we think of when gender biases started and what resulted. According to Laura Brunell 2007, “Feminism originated in critiques of the ways in which power and autonomy have historically been denied to women and other people, purely on the basis of who they are” (Brunell 2007). The third wave is our current wave and the problems were facing today such as sexism, this third wave began in the 1990’s. Focusing on positions and unfinished work of the previous wave, third wave activist goals were setting success examples, battling sexism, and setting awareness of barriers (Brunell 2007).

These woman and others like them grew up with the expectation of achievement and examples of female success as well as an awareness of barriers. They chose to battle sexism by standing sexist symbols on their heads, to fight patriarchy with irony, to answer violence with stories of survival, and to combat continued exclusion with grass-roots activism and radical democracy. Rather then becoming part of the machine, third wavers began both sabotaging and rebuilding the machine itself. (Brunell 2007)

The problem of gender inequality has remained an issue through these efforts and others throughout history. This issue needs to be addressed, the impacts have been damaging, in means of health, communication, and way of living.

Examining Biases

Why Examine Biases? How has gender inequalities been so damaging? Because of gender inequalities, resulted health inequalities between men and women, our communication towards one another has biases, and our way of living has been rebuilt around inequalities. Firstly and according to The International Journal for Equity in Health, “Gendered practices of working life create gender inequalities through horizontal and vertical gender segregation in work, which may lead to inequalities in health between men and women (Elwer 2013).” This is an example that shows our inequalities when it comes to our work force.

Secondly, communication is important for any environment. Our working environments rely on good and quality communication. Being able to communicate effectively and understand one another helps the environment to run smoothly and error free. According to Dan O’Hair, and Mary Wiemann, “the labels we choose for our beliefs affect how we communicate them to others and how others respond… When we place gender ethnic, class, occupation, and role labels on others, we sometimes ignore individual differences (O’Hair, Wiemann 2012).” This means that because of stereotypes and inequalities, we have biases on our communication, which results in poor communication between another. With bad communication comes inappropriate behavior; crude, offensive vulgar and profane language can create uncomfortable and unproductive relationships and work environments according to an introduction with mass communication (O’Hair, Wiemann 2012).

Lastly, when it comes to biases and inequalities affecting our everyday lives, we refer to work and social environments. Our society has been built based on gender roles and biases. According to author Eleanor Leacock, “research on the economic and social activities of women has been shaking up some established assumptions about society and history (Leacock 1983).” According to Leacock we need to examine our societies, and understand what is going on, in order to effect change. In this quote Leacock describes her theory on how to effect a change.

An effective theory of exchange is necessary for analyzing … and for interpreting the effects on these societies. Only when genders in primitive societies are understood… can the full force of capitalist relations in subverting the labor of women, and therefore transforming the entire structure of relationships in such societies, be appreciated. Until such time, the present will continue to support the assumption… that the widespread normality ideal of men as household heads who provision dependent women and children reflects some human need or drive. (Leacock 1983)

She ends with a statement declaring if these things do not change and until they do change, the present world and future world “will continue to be distorted (Leacock 1983).”

Currently Exists

This letter from the United Nations secretary general discusses how important it is to fight inequalities and discriminations against women. Throughout his message the general talks and asks for other members to recognize and understand and work together to achieve their common goal. He addresses his message on Valentines Day saying, “this must be a day of advocacy. It must be a day that triggers action (Ki Moon 2013).” He addressed in his message they will be holding the largest assembly to end violence against women and girls. In this message he gives details of the new ideas to stop gender based violence. (Ki Moon 2013).

Routines and concerns for gender inequalities have been in our attention, especially when we refer to the work environments. Idaho has made news regarding gender inequalities in our work force. There have been articles regarding our Governor Butch Otter’s Cabinet, how women make less money then the men (Popkey 2012). Not only is this going on, when it comes to our working environments, Idaho has a gender gap in physician ranks (Dutton). Along these issues locally, when it comes to the United States there have been cases of female sales representatives dealing with gender discrimination (Johnson 2013).

In the United States we have had several instances concerning gender inequalities when it comes to our work force and inequalities in pay between male and female employees. According to EduTube’s chart of female to male ratio of income, and their chart of seats in parliament, it indicates four gender inequalities globally. In Figure 1, and Figure 2 these charts show us that not a single country comes close to gender equality in income (EduTube 2009). Secondly they indicate women outnumber men in parliament in only one country in the world (EduTube 2009). They also show us that wealthier countries do not necessarily have higher gender equality (EduTube 2009). Lastly these two graphs tell us that a country may do well on one gender indicator and not as well on another (EduTube 2009).

Through out my research I have spoke with different people, male and female, in different careers and have had a chance to ask questions. I spoke with gentlemen named Jesse, who is a chef at a restaurant in Caldwell. Culinary fields have been known to be male dominated, so I asked him some questions; I asked how he felt working with female over males? He replied it depends on how they are as a worker. I asked him if he had any experiences himself with gender biases? His response was that not that he can recall. I think this is a good sign for change to start. From my research with interviews from everyday workers, I have a gathered a sense that when asked no one portrays to have gender biases. When trying to reach someone in higher authority it was much harder to get a response.

Women’s roles in our current economy have advanced compared to several years ago. Roles have changed, yet discrimination is still an issue. Disempowerment of women in both Idaho and across the United States is an issue that must be addressed in order to promote and effect a change; it’s a problem that has perpetuated across history, because it currently exists both here in Idaho and across the world, and because with out examining biases the issue will never change.

Figures 1 & 2

Works Cited

Brunell, Laura. "Feminism Reimagined: The Third Wave." Annals of American History. 2008. <http://www.america.eb.com.cwi.idm.oclc.org/america/article?articleId=442878&query=gender equality>.

Department of Public Infromation, United Nations. Department of Public Information. UN Web Services 2010. Web. <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/>.

Dutton, Audrey. "Idaho Deals With Gender gap in physician ranks." Idaho Statesman 27 Jan 2013, n. pag. Web. 22 Feb. 2013. <http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/01/27/2428077/idaho-still-dealing-with-gender.html

Elwer, Sophia, Lena Alex, and Anne Hammarstrom. "Gender (in)equality among employees in elder care: implications for health” International Journal for Equity in Health. 11.1 (2012): 1-10. Web. 9 Feb. 2013.

Johnson, Linda A. "Female sales reps: Daiichi Sankyo discriminates." Idaho Statesman [Trenton] 11 Feb 2013, National Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

Ki Moon, Ban. United Nations. Department of Public Information. SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN MESSAGE FOR ‘ONE BILLION RISING’ CAMPAIGN, SEEKS ‘VALENTINE MESSAGE’ FROM GOVERNMENTS COMMITTING TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, GIRLS. New York: News and Media Division, 2013. Web. <http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2013/sgsm14818.doc.htm>.

Leacock, Eleanor. "Interpreting the origins of gender inequality: Conceptual and historical problems." Dialectical Anthropology. 7.4 (1983): 263-284. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00249543?LI=true>.

Meyers, David G. Psychology in everyday life. New York, NY: 2012.

O'hair, Dan, and Mary Wiemann. "An introduction with Mass Communication." Real Communication. Boston: 2012.

Popkey, Dan. "In Gov. Butch Otter's cabinet, women make less money then men." Idaho Statesman[Boise] 18 Mar 2012, n. pag. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. <http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/03/18/2040540/in-otters-cabinet-women-make-less.html

StatPlanet, EduTube. Ratio of Estimated Female to Male earned income. 2009. Edutube, Australlia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

StatPlanet, EduTube. Percentage of seats in paliament held by women. 2009. Edutube, Australia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

Annotated Bibliography

Brunell, Laura. "Feminism Reimagined: The Third Wave." Annals of American History. 2008. <http://www.america.eb.com.cwi.idm.oclc.org/america/article?articleId=442878&query=gender equality>.

This is an article based off the background of feminists movements based to empower women. This article goes into detail of the first wave, and second wave and third wave of movements. After discussing the background information, the author discusses the current movement, called the third wave. The author talks of the current issues and importance to society.

This article is a recent article written in 2007. The author has credibility considering the article being in an educational database. The author cites her sources and does not show bias in her work. Laura Brunell, the author presents the facts and gives background knowledge for better understanding.

I am going to be using this particular article to reference the history of gender equality issues and to bring forth our current issues. I will be referencing her facts of the time line of the different movements. Also the relations between the issues and current issues will be good sources for examples.

Department of Public Infromation, United Nations. Department of Public Information. UN Web Services 2010. Web. <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/>.

Dutton , Audrey. "Idaho Deals With Gender gap in physician ranks." Idaho Statesman 27 Jan 2013, n. pag. Web. 22 Feb. 2013. <http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/01/27/2428077/idaho-still-dealing-with-gender.html

This is a newspaper article I will reference for examples of a women in a locally male dominated career.

Elwer, Sophia, Lena Alex, and Anne Hammarstrom. "Gender (in)equality among employees in elder care: implications for health.." International Journal for Equity in Health. 11.1 (2012): 1-10. Web. 9 Feb. 2013.

I will reference gender inequalities in the work environment.

Johnson, Linda A. "Female sales reps: Daiichi Sankyo discriminates." Idaho Statesman [Trenton] 11 Feb 2013, National Business News. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

This letter from the secretary general of public information, I will be using this letter as a reference to how important the MDG is.

Referenced for past facts and cause and effects.

Meyers, David G. Psychology in everyday life. New York, NY: 2012.

In this Psychology book, it gives background information on psychologists throughout our history. The first women psychologist had to deal with gender inequality issues in her professional career. This book is used to learn the use of the techniques to examine human behavior and reasons for psychology.

This is an error free credible source used for students in psychology courses. I will be referencing the first women psychologist as an example of gender inequalities in the work place.

Nugent, Bridget R. "Beyond Biases and Barriers: Incorporating Women into International Clinical Research." Women, Social Policy, and the Law. 6.1 (2012): 1-36. Web. 14 Feb. 2013. <http://digitalcommons.salve.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1050&context=jift>.

This article references women roles in a business aspect and discusses the biases that come with. I will be using this article to reference examples of women in professional careers and the current problems and concerns.

O'hair, Dan, and Mary Wiemann. "An introduction with Mass Communication." Real Communication . Boston : 2012.

This book discusses how we communicate. It presents the reason why we communicate the way we do. It also details the process and ways of communication. The authors explain the issues with our current communication efforts; Such as our biases towards race, gender and religions.

I will be referencing the examples of issues with our communication by means of gender biases. I will also be discussing and referencing how communication is necessary for our survival and evolution. It is a current, credible, and error free source.

This source I will be using for a reference to gender inequalities in Idaho’s State government.

StatPlanet, EduTube. Ratio of Estimated Female to Male earned income. 2009. Edutube, Australlia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

Using chart to reference ration in gender inequalities

StatPlanet, EduTube. Percentage of seats in paliament held by women. 2009. Edutube, Australia. Web. 9 Mar 2013. <http://edutube.org/en/blog/gender-equality-we-still-have-long-way-go>.

Using chart to reference ration in gender inequalities

"Un International Women's Day: Empowering Women--The Key To Achieving The Millenium Development Goals." Women's International Network News 29.2 (2003): 4. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 Feb. 2013.

This article I will be using to reference examples of women empowerment. This article describes women’s roles in our economy. It talks about how and why it is important to empower women and promote gender equality. And goes into detail of the global goal.

Gender Inequalities and Women Empowerment

Monday, May 6, 2013

Gender Equality, Inequalities and Women Empowerment

Introduction

Locally

Personal Pieces

Graphics

Interviews

Letters