Free Essay: Gender and Diversity
Gender roles are referred to as a range of factors that respond to a question on how an individual is supposed to behave that makes him belong to a certain sex. Gender roles may be defined in terms of economic roles, hobbies, occupations, and household chores. The roles are usually related to stereotypes, giving the implication that, women and men have to undertake their gender roles for social acceptance. There are various kinds of gender roles including, roles for men, women and also at the place of work. Gender roles for men require them to show their masculinity, meaning that they are supposed to have characteristics that are traditionally related to males (Millennium- Project. Org, 2013, p.1).
Gender roles for men require them to come home with something for the family, be respected by women, and be in a position of providing their own basic needs and those of the entire family. Gender roles for women on the other hand, require them to remain feminine and accomplish their tasks in order to be accepted as part of the society. Gender roles in the place of work push men to be very keen on how their treat women since most women have often accused their male counterparts of sexually harassing them. Besides, women who perform similar duties with men usually earn more compared to the men.
The status of women in the society has significantly changed today. Girls and women have various opportunities and are faced by a series of challenges. Women have been able to attain a high stature in different industries, governments and the media. For example, many people believe that a small fraction of women work, however, a large number languish in poverty and earn less than men. According to research, women are perceived by the public to have advanced professionally. However, it fails to recognize the level of education of the women.
For instance, it is reported that in 1997, an estimated 70% of girls joined college and a good number are today holding high positions in government compared to how it was before. Women are traditionally required to handle household chores and take care of the family. However, today they perform the same roles as men, for instance, they do well in sports, and some are engineers while others are also involved in politics.
Even the status of the LGBT has significantly changed because they are supported by many nations across the world. A national survey conducted indicates that this change has been impacted by the arrival of young adults who are well informed on the gay rights unlike the previous generations. There is an increase in the millennia supporting same sex marriages (Pew Research Center for the People and Press, 2013, p1). For example, the support rose from 51% in 2003 to 70% currently. Besides, there has also been an increase in the support of same sex marriage over the past decade by the older generation. Most people point out that they changed their stands to begin supporting LGBT because they feel that the generation has changed and people should be free to choose what they want and feel makes them happy since it is their own lives.
The conceptions that we have on masculinity and femininity impact the way in which we perceive the LGBT people since we believe that a person is identified by his or her roles. Feminists believe that there are disparities between men and women, thus, we feel that lesbians should not exist (Cla.Purdue.Edu, 2013, p.2). According to religious leaders, the bible dictates that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, giving us a different perception of LGBT.
Women and the LGBT are affected by various social and political issues. Women’s rights across the world are a significant indicator for understanding the international wellbeing. There are lots of issues that still exist in the current life that impact them economically, socially and politically. For instance, women work more unlike men but earn the least. Besides, gender discrimination negatively impacts the lives of women and girls. Women’s right and LGBT rights are still an issue in many nations across the world. Socially, women and the LGBT are still viewed with a negative attitude, and this makes them not willing to associate with others freely.
ACLU is one of the organizations that have been instrumental in the fight against discrimination. The organization has made numerous efforts in reducing the discrimination against LGBT people. In order to put an end to the menace of discrimination, ACLU proposed the changing of the law in order to encourage Americans that gender identity and sexual orientation is wrong. The organization conducts its operations in five key areas; relationships and marriage, basic rights and liberties, schools, youth, transgender discrimination, basic liberties, and rights.
ACLU tries to ensure that LGBT people have an equal opportunity to actively participate in a civil society. Besides, it also looks for new discrimination avenues, and weakening the existing non-discrimination laws. The organization is also aiming at hindering the discrimination of youths in public schools as well as even the teachers and kids.
It is of importance that people understand the issues of LGBT and women. This can help in curbing the problem of discrimination because people will get to know that they are individuals who should have equal rights and opportunities. This can be a significant move since people will begin to treat each other on equal measures.
Reference
Millennium-Project.Org (2013). The Millennium Project. {Retrieved from: http://www.millennium-project.org/millennium/Global_Challenges/chall-11.html [Accessed: 16 Oct 2013].
Cla.Purdue.Edu (2013). Introduction to Judith Butler, Module on Gender and Sex. Retrieved from: http://www.cla.purdue.edu/english/theory/genderandsex/modules/butlergendersex.html [Accessed: 16 Oct 2013].
Pew Research Center for the People and the Press (2013). Growing Support for Gay Marriage: Changed Minds and Changing Demographics. Retrieved from: http://www.people-press.org/2013/03/20/growing-support-for-gay-marriage-changed-minds-and-changing-demographics/ [Accessed: 16 Oct 2013].
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