Abstract This paper analyzes the situation of under-privileged girl children in India in terms of the education system there. The paper makes this analysis through the examination of the interplay of several historical, social, cultural and political factors. The paper relates that it was during the end of the nineteenth century, when the Indian government realized the need for the education of women. The paper further relates that measures adopted during the later years, proved insufficient and, at the time of independence, the government was faced with the formidable task of educating a large section of the uneducated, illiterate population. The paper notes that the government of India thus under took several policies to improve girls' accessibility to education, at least during the early years of the child's life. The paper then points out that it has been widely perceived that bridging the gender gap in education will provide an effective solution to the problem of gender equality. This paper re-examines this contention.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Gender 'Inequality' in Education
Measuring GenderInequality Achieving Gender Parity in Primary Education
Reducing the Gender Gap
Increasing Enrollment Levels of the Girl Child
Focused Interventions Gender Parity in Education
Social Dimension of the Problem
Gender Division of Labor
Focused Interventions Recommendations
Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes
Rural Urban Divide
Moving towards Gender Equality
Right to Education
Ensuring Access with Equity
Physical Accessibility
Creating a Physical Environment
Improvement in State Functioning
Rights in Education
Creating a Safe and Equitable School Environment
Sexism in the Curriculum
Right through Education
Conclusion
From the Paper "Unequal gender relations may arise due to domestic violence, stress as well as cultural practices of exclusion. These factors, not only promote unequal gender relations but also impact gender related development outcomes. It has been argued that irrespective of the overall socio-economic background, in most cases views on femininity come in conflict with the goals of education, which are directed towards survival and unity. Although education emphasizes on independence and promotes a spirit of inquiry, traditional notions of femininity seek; to create a docile and submissive character of the girl child."
Tags: mainstream, drop out, mandatory, human rights, parents
Abstract This paper reviews genderinequities from childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and the elderly with respect to their relationships in school, with family, in relationships and within the work force.
Outline:
GenderInequalities and Socialization - Overview
Gender Differences in Children and Adolescence
GenderInequalities at Work
Opposition to Equality Issues
From the Paper "Other studies exploring gender inequities among young adults and middle-age adults exist and result primarily from lower feelings of self-confidence or the ability to succeed when placed in a competitive environment (Goodman, Cunningham & Lachapelle, 2002). For example, women are more likely to drop out of mathematical or engineering fields not because they are not able to do the work, but rather because society suggests that men are more capable in these fields, and thus dominate these fields, resulting in an indirect discrimination against women in primarily male-dominated fields (Goodman, Cunningham & Lachapelle, 2002)."
Abstract This paper examines the topic of genderinequality and presents a review of literature that supports the argument that stereotypical roles of gender have led to inequality in marriages and gender relationships, which in turn, have impacted the ability of women to become truly financially and emotionally secure.
From the Paper "The issue of gender inequality in relationships is of great social concern, especially in light of the increasing divorce rate and the growing numbers of single mothers bringing up children. The increasing break down of the traditional family structure implies the need for women to be more and more financially independent. Yet, a review of literature on the subject indicates that gender inequality in relationships persists and has led to a situation where women are still unable to break the traditional stereotype of the female role and focus on developing an independent career."
Abstract Genderinequality is a worldwide epidemic that has plagued our society and others since the beginning of time. This paper attempts to look at how society and its members address the myriad of other issues (i.e., racism, classism, ageism, etc.) that are intricately interwoven into this deeply seeded and complex issue. An examination of these issues takes place through the summary of three journal articles in addition to other readings regarding the aforementioned theme of genderinequality.
Outline
Introduction
Personal Reflection
From the Paper "In the first reading, Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference, the article's author, Lorde (1997), attributes the continued oppression and dehumanization of women not as the sole existence of differences, rather as the inability to recognize and appreciate those differences. The article's author also points out that the inability to deal effectively with differences causes distortions in which individuals tend to ignore or even misname the definition of others. Lorde (1997) utilizes many of Freire's (1970:93) concepts regarding relationships as defined by oppression and stresses the importance of collaboration, self-reflection, and exposure to and appreciation of differences. "
Abstract This paper explains that, despite the historical contribution of women to the economy of the Sub-Saharan African region during the pre-colonial era; today, women face formidable social and economic barriers, which exploit them. The paper points out the history, effects and possible solutions to genderinequality in politics and economics in this region. The paper also discusses the need for agricultural education for women to increase productivity and a constitutionally defined quota system to boost female participation. The paper concludes that genderinequality in politics and economics in Sub-Saharan Africa is an obstacle to the development of the region.
From the Paper "The second strategy suggested is to act immediately to increase the productivity of subsistence producers. Immediate gains could be realized by increasing women's access to land credit, tools and appropriate technologies. The third strategy suggested is to change the definitions and assumptions made by conventional development policies in order to collect information that creates a realistic picture of subsistence economies. Personally, I believe they are other steps that could be taken by governments in Sub-Saharan Africa that could improve women's political and economical participation."
Abstract A paper outlining how there is still a gendergap in public education, regardless of the attempts by administrations to refute the claim. This paper explains how genderinequality is still rampant in our schools today. It shows that though many situations where boys are preferred over girls are unintentional, the fact remains that time has not caused us to become blind to gender in the classroom.
From the Paper "Gender gaps in education ?have in most cases been eliminated and, in others, have significantly decreased,? according to ?Trends in Educational Equity of Girls and Women,? a report requested by Congress and released April 25, 2000 by the National Center for Education Studies. Girls appear to have fewer problems in early grades than boys do and consistently outperform boys in reading and writing, the report continues. The NCES states that young women continue to lag behind males in mathematics and science achievement in high school and are less likely to major in those fields in college. They also report that high school girls have higher educational goals than boys have and are more likely to enroll in college in the fall semester after graduating from high school. These females are then more likely to complete their bachelor's degree within five years, compared to their male counterparts."
Abstract This paper analyzes issues of genderinequality and the relevance of feminist epistemology in information systems. It reviews three articles, "Feminist Philosophy and Information Systems" by Alison Adam and Helen Richardson, "The Army and the Microworld: Computers and the Politics of Gender Identity" by Paul Edwards and "Slouching Toward the Ordinary: Current Trends in Computer Mediated Communication" by Susan Herring.
From the Paper "In conclusion, these three articles on gender role allocations within CMC and IS provide a varied, yet informative view of the historical, social, and feminist ideology of patriarchal systems. However, it is the Adam and Richardson article that best defines the role of empiricism and objectivity in determining the epistemological problems of patriarchal constructs in computer communications. Although a historical analysis of the feminist movement and the current issues of generational decay may inherently be problematic in modern IS, the issue a feminist ideology that must define the reality of gender disparity is the more important premise of the research done by Adam and Richardson."
Abstract The paper focuses on how the US public reacted to having both a minority and a woman running for the highest office in the land and reveals that while racism is a much more recognized problem in America, sexism seems to be a much bigger problem. The paper shows how although women are making real strides in their effort to achieve full equality, recent events and studies portray just how far women still have to go in order to overcome genderinequality.
From the Paper "There seems to be a popular belief in today's American society that gender inequality is largely a thing of the past. As the belief goes, it was an issue that was big in the 1960s, along with all those other messy social issues such as racism and war protests. It is funny how these issues seem to pop up from time to time. Today, the United States is again involved in an unpopular war, the successful candidacy of President-elect Obama has forced once again brought the issue of race to the forefront, and the unsuccessful candidacies of Senator Hillary Clinton and Governor Sarah Palin have made Americans once again consider their attitudes toward gender. Unfortunately, what we have seen in recent months is that gender is still an issue for many people in our society, though a much more subtle one than it was forty years ago."
Abstract The paper discusses Michael S. Kimmel's "The Gendered Society" and his argument that gender differences are not the cause of the blatant genderinequality seen throughout history, but rather the result. The paper explores Kimmels' treatment of gender differences and inequalities and their effect on interactions common today amongst the sexes. The paper refers to the popular T.V. show "Friends" that shows how men and women are not so different, and that there is more difference amongst each particular gender when it comes to interpretations of masculinity and femininity. The paper illustrates Kimmels' belief that because this society still spawns inequality, there are external forces working against breaking down the barriers that we perceive exist between genders.
From the Paper "Michael S. Kimmel in his book, The Gendered Society attempts to further the claim made already by other gender studies professionals, sociologists, psychologists alike, that gender differences are not the cause of the blatant gender inequality seen throughout history, but rather the result. This means that through inequality, there inherently springs difference, which according to Kimmel begets the disparities used to justify the gender differences we hold onto as a society (xi-xii). He also argues that men and women are not so different, and that this is merely the perception societies generate in response to supposed gender differences and accepted inequalities. The purpose of his book is to probe into the meaning behind why every society seems to differentiate people and their roles based solely on their gender; while his second question wonders why it is that all societies are male-dominated and unequal (Kimmel, 2)."
This paper reviews and examines the themes of racial and genderinequality present in William Faulkner's "That Evening Sun" and Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat."
Abstract The writer of this paper focuses on Nancy and Delia, the main characters in "That Evening Sun" by William Faulkner and "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston, respectively. This paper analyzes how both authors deal with issues of gender and racial injustice in America in the early 1900s and show how two different solutions to a similar problem can lead to two very distinct outcomes. The repression of women by men is prevalent throughout both novels and clearly cited in this paper. This paper reviews the plots of both novels, while at the same time detailing the many similarities between Delia and Nancy, which underscore the role that race, gender and social class play in each of their suffering. Nancy is a housekeeper while Delia is a wash-woman. Their jobs are similarly menial. The writer discusses the manner in which both Nancy and Delia essentially share the problem of social injustice toward black women as well as how each woman resolves the situation she's in. The writer contends that Faulkner lets the reader see the silence, acceptance of inequality and re-activity in Nancy's solution while Hurston shows speaking-up, denial of inequality and pro-activity, which leads to a better life for Delia.
From the Paper "The many similarities between Nancy and Delia underscore the role that race, gender, and social class play in each of their suffering. Nancy is a housekeeper; Delia is a washwoman. Their jobs are similarly menial. Such jobs were typical for black women in the American South at the time, and, for most black women. In most cases, this was the only kind of work they could find. Faulkner and Hurston each choose black women as main characters in order to illustrate how black women in particular were treated by men at this time. Nancy and Delia have one very serious common problem: each is violently abused, and violently repressed by her husband. Delia works very hard to own her dream home, but Sykes still feels that because he is the man of the house, he has the right to control Delia. Jesus and Sykes each act as leaders of their households, not because Nancy and Delia want to be followers, but because they, as men, insist on dominating their wives."
Abstract This paper reviews the Mills' theory that there is a deconstruction of citizenship that exists in the genderinequalities within the labor force. It further suggests that these labor inequalities in relation to gender have occurred throughout history, and in many cases exist because they have become the foundation of many societies. The paper further discusses how history reveals that the inequality has been evident throughout society. In the age of industrialization, for example, women who were struggling to help their families attempt to rise from poverty were forced to take demeaning jobs that often were the most laborious. Because of the mainstream belief that women were valued less in society than their male counterparts, women were also subjected to lower wages.
Abstract This essay serves to examine the wage inequalities between men and women in the modern day workforce. It references two specific examples of gender discrimination; Ann Hopkins? suit against Price Waterhouse in 1982 and Muriel Kraszewski's suit against State Farm. The author also explains in detail the ramifications of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which attempts to protect the rights of women who work in the same jobs as men.
From the Paper "In order to fully gain equal employment and fairness, traditionally male positions must be opened to females. This is the only way to shatter the glass walls and ceilings that are so prevalent in today's society. Many women have fought discrimination and improved their own lives and the lives of countless other women over the span of several generations. The first step in creating equality in the workplace is to inform women of their rights. The next step is for these women to exercise their rights. Women can no longer allow themselves to be excluded from the workforce. Individuals concerned about equality should press for the continuation and strengthening of better paying jobs for women, and this support must not come from women alone. In order for our society to foster this change, we must understand why these changes are necessary. Society requires that men and women work together and this is not likely to change. What must change is the way that we work together. "
Abstract This paper examines genderinequality in Canada. There is a history of discrimination of women, especially women of colour in Canada. This paper assesses this situation in the form of a newspaper opinion/editorial article.
Abstract This paper investigates the claim that girls are discriminated against within the American education system. The paper begins with a definition of key terms and a review of the research on genderinequality in schools. The differing viewpoints on the topic are considered and the causes and influences of gender bias are looked at. Discrimination amongst staff is also touched on. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving the situation.
From the Paper "Gender equity, in education, is defined as, "the provision of equality of opportunity and the realization of equality of results for all students based on individual aptitudes, abilities and interests, regardless of gender" (AAUW, 1999). The failure to ensure this equity is known as gender discrimination, or gender bias. Within education, the existence of gender discrimination can be determined by a wide range of factors, such as; enrollment levels; exam results; the manner in which teachers respond to, and interact with, students; the topics and materials used within the teaching process; and the manner in which the school environment and social conditions influence the students. In 1972 the US Department of Education passed Title IX, a set of amendments aimed at reforming gender inequity in schools."
Abstract The paper provides a historical analysis of the evolution of gender roles and the economics of the Canadian family over time. The paper shows how this evolution was notably conservative in many respects in perpetuating the sexism and economic genderinequalities of the past.
The paper discusses how women still remain the primary source of domestic labor and male economic predominance continues within most households. The paper stresses that while the social direction points towards greater equity, we must not lose sight of the enduring economic injustices and burdens that women bear in both the domestic sphere and in the paid labor force.
From the Paper "The statement that in Canadian society men are no longer considered the "sole breadwinners" nor women only fit for "domesticity" is an assertion that, upon initial review, appears incontrovertible. After all, the rise of the dual-income family and the increasing prominence of women in the paid labour force is a widely recognized phenomenon in Canada as in most western countries."
"This being said, however, upon closer review it may be argued that the situation in terms of gender roles in the Canadian economy and labour force is not quite as clear as this statement would suggest. As this essay will argue, while men are no long the sole breadwinners, they do retain significant economic dominance in Canadian households as in the labour force as a whole."
