Do Men and Women Have the Same Opportunities in the Society Today - Essay Example

Introduction Do men and women have the same opportunities in the society today? This question has prevailed for a long time in the society. Women of today are delighted to have more freedom than women in the past centuries; they have opportunities, freedoms and make their own choices far better than women of the past. A view of today’s women shows that they have access to various job opportunities, politics and education just like men. This shows that their participation in line of work or opportunities stated above is far different than women of the past and no different with men. The facts are clear; both sexes now have the same opportunities in our society. Both sexes have the same opportunities in our society. Women have made it in education far much better than men. Girls’ education that was considered irrelevant in the society in the past is now one of the most important topics that have captured the world’s attention. The change in the economy, both current and that of the last half of the century has seen greater opportunities for women. The change has lead to the need of women in the labour force. They have also decreased the demand of physical labour on women. More opportunities have risen as compared to the past where women were not given a chance in labour markets, only men dominated. This made women isolated and distressed. However, the current change in the society has left them more delightful. The changes have given hope to the society and families. During the 1970s, women made significant changes in accessing higher education and job opportunities (Carbone and Cahn 2013). Changes in the economy played a vital role in integrating women to labour market due to rise of the information economy. Additionally, the sex revolution assisted women to have greater opportunities in the society. Changes of a bill that resulted in women abortion and access to pills are the driving factors to equal opportunities between women and men. Women started making their own decisions due to legal changes effected by the government regarding abortion and contraceptives. This gave women opportunities to decide on their own marriages, attend colleges and decide on overall fertility. Additionally, legal changes also effected regarding sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination assisted women in job opportunities. The above changes combined with economic changes that required women participation at work helped in pushing women further to a level equal to men. Additionally, this has made women more relieved than women of the past who had no hope of attaining the same level as men (Kornblum 2007). Carbone and Cahn (2013) show that women have made significant advances in higher education and the workplace. According to the authors, 1970s higher education enrollment by women was approximately 42%, and currently, the number of women enrolled in higher education is 57%. Women provided workforce in small numbers in 1970s, but the number has since risen significantly to 53.6% based on 2010 statistics. The participation of women in work places has also provided them with more earnings. This has narrowed the wage gap between men and women. Women earned only 60% of men’s remuneration during 1970s. However, the percentage of women remuneration has risen; currently it is estimated to be 77% of men’s earnings. Additionally, wives earnings in 1970s were only 26.6%, but it has risen significantly by a third to 37.7%. The authors point out the major changes in families; there has been an increase in the number of couples who are both wage earners from 45.7% in 1970 to 55.3% in 2009. However, it is noted in families that the number of sole-wage earner husbands have decreased substantially by 50%. Conversely, the number of families with the wife as the sole-wage earner has tripled since 1970s. The authors show that the percentage of wives acting as a sole wage earner has increased from 1.6% to 6.6% since 1970 to 2009. Based on the above statistics, it is clear that women currently have the same opportunities with men. Additionally, the previous view by men that women are inferior is now fading. This has been driven by women performing different jobs, education and changes in the legal system. This shows that both sexes have the same chances in society despite the argument by those against the idea. However, women still have difficulties maintaining the same level with men. This has left them more disappointed and changes must be made to address this issue. In the US, there is a gap of gender remuneration. Women are currently represented in highly skilled jobs such as doctors and lawyers, but they are discouraged by low compensation they get as compared to male colleagues. Research shows that the starting salaries of women are far much less compared to those of male counterparts. It is estimated to be 17% less than that of male participants in the same workforce. As stated above, the issue of compensation must be address by the government to give women more hope in the society (Carbone & Cahn 2013). Integration of women in military zones has happened in most countries with women taking over minor roles. Their male counterparts are excited by the government move to integrate women along with them. Norway is one of the countries that initiated the integration of women in military zones. The U.S. also depends highly on services provided by women in the military zones. Research shows that women account for 14% combatants in the U.S. military. However, they still have a few restrictions to participation in direct combat, but their services are appreciated by their male combatants. The U.S. Air Force is one of the military zones that play gender equality and allows equal job opportunities between men and women. Women are proud to get the same job opportunities like men in the U.S. air force. They consist of close to 20% of the entire workforce. They perform the same activities just like their male counterparts. There are women pilots performing the same jobs as men including flying the same planes in the Air Force. The study above clearly shows that men and women have the same chances in the military provided that women are given the chance to participate. Additionally, the study clearly shows that women can do jobs that were previously meant for men only, for example, flying fighter jets is viewed as a job for men only but it is clear that women are capable of providing the same service. In view of this, the prospects are the same in both sexes, women must be provided with the same opportunities like men (Gustavsen 2013). Women in the society have shown improvement in entrepreneurial skills. Self-employed and professional women have risen in number in the last decade. However, they are discouraged by lack of support on their business. But only a few of them have. Research shows that self-employment is vital for the economy. This ensures women are independent and autonomous. In view of this, it is clear that women and men should have equal opportunities in the society. Effort must be made by relevant authorities and the society to make women more confidence in their businesses. Women provide major support to the society which in turn changes the economic level of the country whenever they have a chance. Women are likely to become poorer than men when they do not get a chance to perform duties that raises their income. However, provided with the chance to work, they change their status of standards of living from low to high. Additionally, economists measure income level per household. This shows that both women and men contribute to the income level that changes the economic level of a country. This supports the idea that men and women have equal opportunities currently in the society (Andersen & Taylor 2007). In the society, few people are unhappy to provide job opportunities to women who have children. A study by Andersen & Taylor (2007) shows that 16% and 20% of women and men respectively do not agree with the idea that women should be employed. Additionally, research shows that more than half of married couples agree that they should share responsibilities in marriage such as household chores and childcare. In addition to this, it is encouraging that married couples agree that men should not be the sole decision makers in the family, both women and men should engage in decision making. Beliefs about gender roles have evolved with time since the 1970s. A study by Andersen & Taylor (2007) shows the belief that men should be the sole provider in the family has changed significantly since 1970. Previously, it was quite disappointing that 69% of men thought that they should be the sole provider in the family. Currently 47% have the same view. However, this view varies from one community to another, non-traditional gender roles support the idea of women working full time or having full time employment, conversely, traditional gender roles sadly believe that women are supposed to be homemakers. Based on the above study it is clear that women’s responsibilities and support in the society are appreciated. Legislation is in place to support women and stop discrimination against them in workplaces and in the society. The Civil Rights Act enacted in 1964 and the Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts assisted women in employment and job opportunities. This shows that women have had support from the society and allow them to have equal opportunities like men. It is clear men and women now have equal opportunities in our society (Andersen & Taylor 2007). However, it is sad that women no equal opportunities with men in other societies based on religious views. In Saudi Arabia, women are banned from driving. They are uncomfortable with this issue and they have come out to protest. This is evidenced from the recent activity where woman drivers defied the ban and drove in public in Saudi Arabia. She received much support from the public with close to 17,000 sympathizers signing the petition. Based on this view it is wonderful that society support equal opportunities between men and women. Additionally, women are pessimistic to attain equal opportunities with men despite discouraging religious and traditional (BBC News 2013). The above study shows that men and women now have equal opportunities in our society. This is clear from changes that have evolved in the last half century that resulted to women being in the same level as men. Women have enrolled in higher education, participated in workplaces, and make their own decisions like men. Men have also appreciated the change despite a few individuals who do not agree with the idea that men and women have equal opportunities. References Andersen, M & Taylor, H 2007, Sociology: Understanding a Diverse Society, Updated, Cengage Learning, Belmont,CA. BBC News 2013, ‘Some Saudi women defy driving ban in day of protest’, viewed 7 May 2014, Carbone, J, & Cahn, N 2013, The End of Men or the Rebirth of Class?’, Boston University Law Review, vol. 93, no. 3, pp. 871-895. Gustavsen, E, 2013, ‘Equal treatment or equal opportunity? Male attitudes towards women in the Norwegian and US armed forces’ Acta Sociologica, vol. 56, no. 4, pp. 361–374. Kornblum, W 2007, Sociology in a Changing World, Cengage Learning, Belmont CA. Read More