Origins of Sexual Inequality - Research Paper Example

Running Head: Sexual Equality in the Society Sexual Equality in the Society Clarisse Kehou HUM 110 Dr Ates March 12, Sexual Equality in the Society Sexual equality in the society can be considered as one of the social concerns. Gender equality is defined as the equality or the state of having equal rights between men and women. This includes the development of abilities, decision making, and freedom from the hindrances such as stereotypes, gender roles and prejudices. In a state of social equality, the behaviors, needs and aspirations of both genders are equally considered (UNESCO, 2000, p.5). But the society is stratified and prejudice, that the existence of social equality in a real and non-perfect world is in question. The paper is aimed to discuss different issues related to sexual equality specifically the presence or absence of it. The different factors affecting the concept of sexual equality will be presented and discussed. One example is the exploration of the root causes of gender inequality. Ultimately, the study is aimed to determine the existence of social equality in the society. Background of the Study The study explores the presence or absence of sexual equality. It is a notion that in reality, sexual equality is merely an objective and a concept aimed for since sexual inequality prevails. In addition, the premises found in real societies can only allow for the existence of sexual inequality. There are different views that express the origins and reasons for sexual inequality such as functionalist and conflict theories. Origins of Sexual Inequality Sexual inequality is prevalent in the society on the basis of two theoretical theories, the functionalism and the conflict theory. The functionalist theory is a way of viewing social inequality to be necessary on the basis of the functions of the different members and components of the society. For example, the role of men is different from the role of women, thus, they need not be compared. Instead these two groups that comprise the society should be view in terms of their complementary roles and functions (Tischer, 2010, p.254). On the basis of this view then, functions designated to every component of the society dictates the dynamics within that social unit. This trend is very evident throughout the history of the human civilization. Even in the earliest societies, men hunt while women attend to the children and the house. Sexual inequality then can be considered as the way of life of the people. What changed then since the said period is the view of the women regarding their role in the society. Due to the long history of having roles attached to the household, the female population became recognized and perceived to be better suited to stay at home while the male population works for a living. It then became increasingly natural to just assume that women are bound to take care of the family and the household regardless of their capability to succeed in their own careers and endeavors. The act of neglecting the endeavors of the women can be considered as one the main example of inequality. The view based on the conflict theory is another type of theory that is used to describe the reasons for the possible persistence of the social economy. Conflict theory is used to describe the reason for the dominance of the male over the female. This is based on the fact control of the male over the resources, due to the fact that they are the ones who are working. This can also be translated as power, since control can be translated as being the decision maker in the household. The function of the women in the household became the main foundation of the dominating role of the men, which in most cases can be related as exploitation since they hinder the improvement of the woman. Through such control over the women, men had been known to achieve economic, political, and social power (Tischer, 2010, p.255). The conflict theory then indicates the fact that differences in the roles of the groups involved in a competitive relationship results to then contest for power and dominance. This can only by settled through the dominance of one group, which in the study is the male gender. This can also be compared to the interaction between race and class, which is considered to be included in the defining concepts in social interactions and relationships. Conflict theory pointed out the influential capability of economic inequality to the drive the sexual inequality (Tischer, 2010, p.255). Thus, based on what can be observed in the society, sexual inequality is inevitable in the present social structure. Aspects of Sexual Inequality Sexual inequality has various defining aspects that can be expressed. This is another reason and affirmation for the argument that sexual inequality exists while sexual equality’s existence is questionable. Biological Aspect One of the important aspects of sexual inequality is based on the biological structure of a person. The genetic and physiological structure of the different sexes constitute for the difference in physical capacity and health. Parameters such as muscle development and physique which favors the men, longevity which favors the women and the susceptibility to different diseases which vary based on gender (Tischer, 2010, p.251). The biological aspect of the genders can be considered to influence the sexual inequality and other aspects of social interaction. In relation to this, the question on biological equality can also be explored. Biological equality is also questionable since in the first place, the difference in physiology between sexes already makes the foundation of the issue uneven. Men being the physically stronger gender can be considered to have advantages in endeavors that require physical strength in stamina. On the other hand, women are privileged in other aspects where men are limited. The society is prejudice, thus, setting the ground even for fair comparison can be considered challenging and complicated. For that matter, achieving biological equality is also a great challenge. On a personal opinion then, based on the data gathered and the premises observed, biological equality is hard to achieve, thus, it is a continuing endeavor. Socio-Cultural and Political Aspect The socio-cultural and political aspect is another important facet in the study of the sexual equality. Basically, the different conflicts and debates are based on the continuous quest for sexual equality which up to the present had not been achieved. Having knowledge of the concept of equality does not mean it had already been experienced. For this matter, it can be attested that sexual equality is still yet to be achieved. The experiences of people across the world of sexual inequality especially from their own culture and society are alarming since it is hard to control sexually related assaults if such incidents are considered norms within certain cultures and nations. In countries with strong cultural and traditional practices, sexual equality inquiry can be equated to going against the nation itself. In Pakistan for example, women are still treated less as compared to men. Cases of rape if reported would charge and punish the woman of adultery instead of reprimanding of the male offenders. In India, the opposite of the scenario in Pakistan is happening due to the establishment of women-run police stations which focused on the sex related crimes (Htun and Weldon, 2007). These issues can be related to the policies that are gender-related and in most cases can also be perceived as gender biased. These laws and policies can affect the social and cultural way of life. It is a common notion even in the early period of history that women are under men. Until the modern era, regardless of the changes in perspectives in most nations regarding sexual equality, women are still susceptible to social issues related to education, employment, family care, chance to improve life and access to good health (Htun and Weldon, 2007). Based on studies, the establishment of policies that favors social equality can benefit the nation and the society in numerous ways, such as prosperity and stability of democracy. The people are also bound to have greater access to healthcare and better life (Htun and Weldon, 2007). Exploration and Discussion of Sexual Equality Issues There are different points of concern when it comes to the quest to sexual equality. In the program established by UNESCO (2000), there are certain issues that became the main focus of action. One is the persistent and increasing burden of poverty on women. This can be attributed to the fact that regardless of the prejudice of the society, women also work as hard as men to provide for the needs of the family. In the increasing trend of working women, the burden of achieving a better life is now one of the major responsibilities of the female population but the sexual inequality makes the situation harder to resolve. Another point is the unequal access to education and training. This contributes to the challenge of finding a job and providing for a family. The unequal access to health care is also an important issue in relation to sexual inequality due to the fact that the differences in the physiology of men and women, their needs are different (UNESCO, 2000). For example, in terms of maternity benefits, an important need for the women, policies and laws vary across nations and cultures (Htun and Weldon, 2007). Based on the information and data gathered, it can be considered that the human society is still in the quest of sexual and social equality. Some nations and culture are nearer the goal while others are backward to the point where men are still more privileged than women in the society. On the basis of absolute definition of sexual and social equality, it can be considered that it does not exist and it is impossible to exist in the real world. This is because of the simple fact that every factor in the society or even in nature is based on the uniqueness of the roles of the sexes. Equality is not the word to define the said state but complimentary. Men’s characteristics are complementary to the characteristics of the women. For that matter, measurement of equality on the basis of one to one correspondence of characteristics and capabilities is futile because the two genders are different in strengths and weaknesses. On the other hand, if a single perspective of sexual equality is perceived, it can be considered achievable. For example, if the basis is the optimization of women’s potentials is compared to that of the men, then, the two entities can be compared and sexual equality can be perceived On a personal view, sexual and social equality is a very challenging endeavor to achieve but it can be an important goal for the nations of the world. The fact that it is hard to fulfill should not be a hindrance. Conclusion Based on the gathered information and the assimilated views, sexual equality does not exist in the society. But the good thing is that, the world is in continuous quest to achieving not only sexual but also social equality. This can be perceived through the policies being established and implemented and the advocacies being undertaken towards the achievement of fair view of the sexes. References Htun, M. and Weldon, S.L. (2007). When and Why Do Governments Promote Women’s Rights? Toward a Comparative Politics of States and Sex Equality. Chicago: American Political Science Association. Tischer, H.L. (2010). Introduction to Sociology. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. UNESCO (2000). Gender Equality and Equity. UNESCO Unit for the Promotion of the Status of Women and Gender Equality. Read More