A gender inequality and discrimination concept. Photo credit - iStock

Gender Inequality from a Cultural Perspective

Introduction

Gender inequality and culture have a complex and multifaceted relationship, constantly interacting and influencing each other. Woven into societies’ fabric, gender inequality manifests through social norms and values, stereotypes and prejudices, and access to resources and power. 

 

Social Norms and Values

Gender Roles

Roles and behaviours for women and men are distinctly prescribed, therefore limiting their opportunities and choices. One good example is the patriarchal societal setup, where men are expected to be the breadwinners of the family while women take on domestic responsibilities. This set-up goes on to hinder women from participating in the workforce and public sphere, and men on the other hand become inadequate individuals because they have no knowledge of taking up domestic responsibilities. 

 

Stereotypes and Prejudices

Stereotypes and prejudices about genders are culturally ingrained and can perpetuate discrimination and limit opportunities. Portraying women in the stereotype spectrum as less intelligent and incapable than men hinders their access to better education opportunities and attaining leadership positions, especially in the workplace. This can be termed as gender bias, which has created a deep structure in the workplace or organisation, with a negative impact often leading to gender bias and unequal gender practices in the workplace such as not hiring or promoting women into leadership positions.

 

Access to Resources and Power 

Education

Gender inequality is exacerbated by unequal access to quality education. The girl child or women in the 21st century are still being denied opportunities to gain knowledge and acquire skills needed for economic and social development as well as empowerment. 

 

Economic Participation 

Cultural norms still restrict women into owning property, inheritance rights, and access to financial grants, therefore limiting their economic power and independence.

 

Political Participation

Cultural barriers and gendered power structures hinder women in participating in political decision-making processes, hence marginalising their voices. 

 

Cultural Expressions and Representations 

The portrayal of genders in the media and through art reflects and reinforces existing gender inequalities, in turn,  shaping cultural perceptions and norms. The oversexualisation of women and the exaggerated masculinity of men in the media is an example of how gender objectification and discrimination manifests culturally. 

 

Religious and Traditional Practices

Patriarchal Interpretations: Religious texts and traditions are interpreted to assign different roles and values to women and men. A good example of this is, how interpretations emphasize male dominance and female submissiveness. 

Restrictions on women: Traditional practices and religious rules restrict women’s education, work opportunities and social participation. 

Limited leadership roles: women are excluded from religious and traditional practices leadership positions which hinders their influence in society. 

 

Conclusion

To sum up, the first step in dismantling the root causes of gender inequality is by understanding how culture shapes gender inequality and how culture is shaped by gender inequality. The understanding of this dynamic helps in creating individuals who are conscientious and can go on to advocate for gender equality as well as evolve cultural norms and practices that shape and facilitate gender inequality. 

Nelly T Ndagurwa

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