Gender Discrimination

Gender Discrimination

Written by: Brent Davey

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------3

Gender Discrimination Defined-------------------------------------------3

Gender Discrimination at Work-------------------------------------------5

Gender Discrimination and Politics--------------------------------------6

Conclusion---------------------------------------------------------------------6

Works Cited-------------------------------------------------------------------8

Introduction

To discriminate socially is to make a distinction between people on the basis of class or category without regard to individual merit. Examples of social discrimination include racial, religious, sexual, weight, disability, ethnic, height-related, employment discrimination and age-related discrimination. Since this course is related to Gender Relations, the focus of this paper will relate to the act of gender discrimination. Specifically, we will look at the various causes and effects of such discrimination. We will also cover and analyze some real life cases from published sources. After reading this report, you will better understand the significance of legislative acts in Canada which strictly prohibit sexual discrimination in the workplace. You should also realize that all types of discrimination are serious and gender discrimination is just the tip of the iceberg. Most us us have been affected by discrimination in one way or another. Children pick on each other, tease, torment, and poke fun at things they perceive to be different. Chances are you either got picked on when you were a child or you were the one picking on others. But why does this occur? What is it that causes us to discriminate against our own species? Some theorists believe that social order is characterized by increased discrimination. Law professor Matthias Storme has claimed that the freedom of discrimination in human societies is a fundamental human right, or more precisely, the basis of all fundamental freedoms and therefore the most fundamental freedom.

Gender Discrimination Defined

Gender discrimination is discrimination against a person or group on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. History has portrayed women as the target for such types of discrimination for the most part. Thats not to say that men are exempt from being discriminated against on these grounds, because that isn't true. In our society women tend to be more discriminated against in the working environment while men often face more criticism in home and family environments. For example, women are not born with the same physical capabilities as men are and therefore they are sometimes stereotyped as not being capable of accomplishing the same tasks. This is especially true in jobs where danger plays a significant role (police officer, fire fighter). Men on the other hand have been viewed as insensitive and unable to effectively raise children. In divorce cases where custody of children is at stake, often the mother will gain custody based on the misconception that women are more qualified than men. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that this is an issue that affects both men and women. It is important to note that gender related biases are becoming less and less common in our country. This is mostly attributed to educational programs, increases in technological innovations and various government programs. The media also helps to pave a path towards the elimination of gender stereotypes. For example young women are exposed to mass advertising depicting females operating in work and school environments that had previously been strictly composed of men such as mechanical engineers, and construction workers. Also, men are begging to fill programs that used to be comprised of only women. For example, this semester I took an introductory psychology class where I met several guys who are working towards becoming hospital nurses. As time passes in Canada, it seems that our culture is becoming more unified, more multicultural, and more willing to accept change and move away from previously defined norms. Female rights activists in Canada and all over the entire world are helping to bridge the gender gap. These activists tackle a large variety of issues that impact women around the world. For example, in November of 2005 almost 200 female activists from nearly 70 countries met in Sri Lanka to address issues including violence, harassment and intimidation. As time passes a clearer picture of global gender equality begins to take shape, however we still have a lot of work to do before we ever see the elimination of all gender-related discrimination.

Gender Discrimination at Work

In Canada, It is prohibited to discriminate against a person on the basis of Gender. Unfortunately our laws are simply rules and in no way do they prevent circumstances from occurring. Discrimination in the workplace is a serious problem in North America. Here's a good example: In 2004, Wal-Mart was the subject of a huge class action lawsuit filed by six women from California for allegedly discriminating against females. The judge expanded the case to include 1.6 million female workers nationwide since 1988. Residing Judge Martin Jenkins indicated that Wal-Mart had for the most part failed to dispute the plaintiffs' evidence that women were paid less than men in every region and in most job categories; that the salary gap widens over time even for employees hired into the same jobs; that women take longer to reach management positions; and that "the higher one looks in the organization, the lower the percentage of women." These are serious allegations. If found guilty, the company could be looking at hundreds of millions of dollars in claims. But Wal-Mart isn't the only company that has had trouble