Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies (Print ISSN: 1078-4950; Online ISSN: 1532-5822)

Review Article: 2023 Vol: 29 Issue: 1

Gender Discrimination: An Overview of Historical and Contemporary Issues

Kendall Oswald, University of Warwick

Citation Information: Oswald, K. (2023). Gender discrimination: an overview of historical and contemporary issues. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 29(1), 1-2.

Abstract

This research article provides an overview of gender discrimination, including its historical roots and contemporary manifestations. Discrimination based on gender has been a pervasive issue throughout history, with women facing barriers to education, employment, and political participation. Although progress has been made towards gender equality, gender discrimination still persists in many forms today. Gender-based violence, workplace inequality, legal barriers, and poverty are among the contemporary issues that disproportionately affect women. This article highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of gender discrimination and working towards the creation of a society that values and respects individuals regardless of their gender identity or expression. Education, policy reform, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting gender equality can help create a more just and equitable world for all.

Keywords

Gender Discrimination, Contemporary Issues, Gender-Based Violence, Workplace Inequality, Legal Barriers, Human Rights, Gender Equality, Policy Reform, Advocacy Efforts.

Introduction

Gender discrimination has been a prevalent issue throughout history, and despite progress towards gender equality, it still persists in many forms today. Discrimination based on gender refers to the unequal treatment of individuals on the basis of their gender identity or expression. This research article examines the history of gender discrimination and how it manifests in contemporary society.

Historical Overview of Gender Discrimination

Gender discrimination has been a significant issue throughout history. Women have been denied the right to education, employment, and political participation based solely on their gender. For example, in the United States, women were not allowed to vote until 1920, and it was not until the 1960s and 1970s that women began to achieve greater social and economic equality. In many parts of the world, gender discrimination is still prevalent. Women continue to face barriers to education and employment, and they are often paid less than men for performing the same job. In some countries, women are not allowed to drive, own property, or even leave their homes without male supervision (Dilli et al., 2019; Kirton & Greene, 2005).

Contemporary Forms of Gender Discrimination

Despite progress towards gender equality, gender discrimination still manifests in many forms in contemporary society. One of the most significant forms of gender discrimination is gender-based violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence. Women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, with an estimated one in three women experiencing some form of violence in their lifetime (Risman, 2018; Robeyns, 2003).

Gender discrimination also manifests in the workplace, where women often face barriers to career advancement and are paid less than men for performing the same job. Women are also underrepresented in leadership positions, with only a small percentage of CEOs and board members being female.

In many countries, women still face legal barriers to equality, such as laws that prevent them from inheriting property or require them to have a male guardian. Women are also disproportionately affected by poverty, with many working in low-wage jobs without access to basic benefits such as healthcare and paid leave (Zhu & Chang, 2019).

Conclusion

Gender discrimination has been a pervasive issue throughout history, and while progress towards gender equality has been made, it still persists in many forms today. Discrimination based on gender is a violation of human rights and has significant social and economic consequences. To achieve gender equality, it is crucial to address the root causes of gender discrimination and to work towards the creation of a society that values and respects individuals regardless of their gender identity or expression. This can be achieved through education, policy reform, and advocacy efforts aimed at eliminating gender-based violence, promoting workplace equality, and ensuring legal protections for all individuals. By working towards gender equality, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

References

Dilli, S., Carmichael, S. G., & Rijpma, A. (2019). Introducing the historical gender equality index. Feminist Economics, 25(1), 31-57.

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Kirton, G., & Greene, A. M. (2005). Gender, equality and industrial relations in the ‘New Europe’: An introduction. European Journal of Industrial Relations, 11(2), 141-149.

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Risman, B. J. (2018). Gender as a social structure (pp. 19-43). Springer International Publishing.

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Robeyns, I. (2003). Sen's capability approach and gender inequality: Selecting relevant capabilities. Feminist Economics, 9(2-3), 61-92.

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Zhu, N., & Chang, L. (2019). Evolved but not fixed: A life history account of gender roles and gender inequality. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1709.

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Received: 20-Dec-2022, Manuscript No. JIACS-23-13433; Editor assigned: 23-Dec-2022, PreQC No. JIACS-23-13433(PQ); Reviewed: 06-Jan-2023, QC No. JIACS-23-13433; Revised: 13-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JIACS-23-13433(R); Published: 20-Jan-2023

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