Gender Inequality In The United States

Inequality between different groups of people within the United States is concerning for many sociologists and society in general. One of the main inequalities throughout the United States is gender inequality. Gender inequity is found in all past and present societies. It takes the form of patriarchy. From the patriarchal point of view, gender inequality can be traced back to biological differences in early societies (“Steven Goldberg on Patriarchy” 2006). This inequality is present in society through many different forms, including job segregation, the gender pay gap, and a great difference in women’s political representation (Joan Acker, 1989).

“The US is the largest economy in the world,” yet inequalities within it plague it. Though there are several measures of inequality, some measures of inequality that seem to be especially daunting are gender inequality and wealth inequality.

As Quindlen states, "As Americans read..." that tells us right there that she is trying to reach all Americans. As for her purpose, with her references to the treatment of Afghanistan women I am lead to believe that she is trying to bring light to an existence of an example of women inequality in America. Looking at when it was published, only a couple of months after September 11th, it was perfect timing to throw in on this topic. The possibility of a draft was a reality or at the very least many believe it was a possibility. I would have to agree with her thesis, women should also be required to register for the military draft. I have come to stand against any type of inequality, whether it be (to name a few) race, gender, age, religious

Over the span of many centuries, women have been undermined and ridiculed by the reality of a bitter society. A female’s sex generally predetermined the uneventful course she would be expected to take throughout her life. Promising opportunities were rare and for ages, ladies were confined to the home with little more than a puppet role to play. Common household chores were a part of the daily agenda, and unfailing devotion to a husband was anticipated (Cruea). The initiative push by The National Woman Suffrage Association provided a source of encouragement for women searching for impartial justice in basic aspects of everyday life. The women’s rights movement-though a long, rocky road-essentially led from bigotry to equality.

Places like the USA have shown great inequality. This can be supported by the fact of unequal job pay, racial inequality and discrimination. Despite this being faced between both genders it is mostly targeted to females. The use of unequal job pay suggests that the USA has not developed its equality, therefore, more uprising and gender wars become more common due to this. Also racial inequality between genders is also a problem in America’s society. It is proven that men earn about 20% more than women. However different coloured women earn 40% less than men. This indicates that not only gender discrimination is happening but also racism within that. This doubles the attacks against women as most women are from foreign countries which differ them in colour from other people. This difference symbolises the difference in women and men. This shows us that

Gender inequality has been a dominant and consistent struggle of human culture since its existence. To this day, women constantly face oppression, unjust treatment, and less opportunities. For centuries, women have played inferior roles compared to men, especially in marriage. When a man and a woman would wed, it was understood that the woman would serve her husband’s needs and demands. Over the centuries of human existence, however, many feminists and progressive revolutionaries demanded change in the treatment of females.

In the reading, there were a ton of definitions and clarifications being made. There was a breakdown of each economical class, poor, middle, and wealthy class. Americans tend to focus on “racial and ethnic groups, but not for economic groups,” but there is so much more (Payne pp. 37-43). There are two types up poverty generational and situational. Generational is where there are more than two generations that are poor, and situational has to do with a life-altering event (Payne pp. 47).

In the world today, women have a say in what they want to do and things that they desire to do. Back in the day, before the 1800’s, women had to be submissive to their male counterparts and do according to what was required of them. In the end, this led to the demeaning of the woman and the concept that women were inferior to men. Even though this concept and perception changed, there have been some countries and regions of the world that have not yet recognized the equality that women deserve. Such areas do not allow women to vote, attend school, have a say in the community, and the women are at the mercy of their husbands, fathers or male superiors (Hartmann, Susan M).

The gender gap has been a continental divide in the American political arena for decades where differences in male and female voters and politicians has affected the efficacy of political action in the United States of America. Experts across the board have studied the gender gap and have concluded to many opinions about the gender gap and its condition and what it means to the United States of America. The polarization between the sexes has created a country divided and weak due to the widening of the gender gap.

Gender inequality has engulfed the United States and placed copious varying roles onto the male and female sexes. According to Leila Aboulela, Minaret, “All through life there were distinctions - toilets for men, toilets for women; clothes for men, clothes for women - then, at the end, the graves are identical.” Discrimination places women into different roles and takes away numerous privileges. However in America today after more than a century of struggles by dedicated activists who fought to alter these ideals and gain further rights, the perception of women in society and their contributions to society have been greatly transformed.

The concept of gender inequality has changed drastically throughout American history. Women have faced an up-hill battle to have their voices heard, their written and artist works reflecting the struggle that they faced. It was once perceived that a woman’s role was solely to be a wife and mother as well as a good Christian, their path to salvation bound to serving their husbands faithfully. Women were men’s property to do as they wish, having little outlet to express themselves.

From the times of Adam and Eve, women have been inferior to men. Since Eve was brought into the world in order to provide Adam with companionship, it is inferred that women’s sole purpose in life is to accompany men. Despite a nonstop effort to achieve equality, the relationship between men and women has been a continuous power struggle in which men typically end up on top. Whether the relationship is looked at from a current day 2017 perspective or from the writing of the United States Constitution, it is clear that women are constantly being oppressed by their male counterparts. In a society where women were forced to wait 64 years to receive the same voting rights as men, it is impossible to ignore the drastic inequality crippling women everywhere.

The issue pertaining to women’s rights is not one that is new. In the past, there were and still are typical differences between men and women, between the roles they play in society and the way they model their behavior. However, since those times significant changes have been found. Today gender roles have been loosened, allowing a strong impact on society. Women in the Western nations are no longer pleased with the role of being a homemaker; they would rather prefer to make their own careers and have the opportunity to have the same rights as men (Howie, 2010). This aspect means that women’s rights are built on freedom that can be observed as a quality, but not a problem. Women today still continue to fight for their rights.

Gender inequality has been a problem in the U.S. and in the world. As it has gotten better with the inequality between male and female, there is still a problem. Women get paid less than men. The title of men and females in the work force is also different. Many men can work feminine called jobs, but women can’t work the masculine jobs. I learned about these in my readings.

The gender inequality issue is one that has remained prevalent with time passing, exceedingly visible in what has now become of our modern society.