Discrimination based on gender, especially discrimination against women has led to attitudes, conditions, or behaviors that promote stereotyping. More often, this stereotype is comparatively considered ‘less,’ ’weak,’ and ‘inferior.’ At times, the attitude towards the disadvantaged sex is contempt, disregard, or hatred. Sexism occurs when men are viewed to be superior to women. When men benefit from certain rights and privileges that are not otherwise available to women, this becomes what is called as male privilege.
There have been specific aspects of the social system that have caused women to receive unequal treatment in society. When the availability of opportunities such as job promotion, access to education, social mobility, etc are equally present, the males of the population benefit from these opportunities because they have the male privilege over the women who are categorized as weaker sex.
Sexism against women came about because of a patriarchal society that has been run, influenced, and dominated by males. Gender inequality starts right from the home, so family is also a contributor to the unequal treatment of women in society. In most families, the male child has more privileges than the female child.
There are inequalities against women inherent in the laws of the land. Laws that help women fight against domestic violence, violence against women such as rape and sexual harassment have been later developments, after women had fought for these basic human rights themselves.
Political representation of women is also a rather recent development because governments are largely patriarchal. Media portrays women as objects of sexual exploitation and sources of male pleasure, such as in advertising or pornography. The ‘glass ceiling’ in workplaces is proof that women have to struggle to establish their presence and worth in the realm of employment.
Religion is a huge culprit in the discrimination against women. All the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are patriarchal, with God having the sex designation of male.
Sexism is so ingrained in society the world over that it seems impossible to be eradicated – even in all our lifetimes put together. Face it.
Via guardian.co.uk/The Times of India/Journal Online
