GENDER INEQUALITY : EDUCATION (ASPECTS)

 

EXPOSITORY ESSAY – Gender Inequality in education (Aspects)

    Throughout many decades, one issue which is gender inequality has been worldwide

amongst people in all societies. Women have greatly struggled to become equal to men,

both at home and in the work place. The growing gender equality problem between women

and men has rapidly gained attention due to the growth of socioeconomic activism found

primarily in social media outlets. It only continues to become more controversial in many

places across the globe. Women have come a long way in fighting for their equal rights;

however, gender roles play a very important aspect of everyday life in our society.

    Gender inequality in education affects men and women alike. However, it has more of a

disadvantage on women. Ethnic background, poverty and isolation are some of many

discriminatory aspects women face regarding their ability to practice their rights. The more

educated women out there, the less poverty our societies will face with. Educating women

will break the cycle of marrying young, having children at a young age, dying from childbirth,

and more likely have healthy babies to pass on educational roots. Although awareness of

girls and education is rising, the numbers still remain high of those who do not receive

adequate education.Bringing awareness towards gender equality in all countries is key to

ensuring women receiving their rights for a better education. Teaching children at an early

age the importance of equality between a boy and a girl will reduce the prejudice, as they

grow older.

    According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 134 women earned a bachelor

degree for every 100 men in 2018. “About [60] years ago, the ratio was about 2 men to every

1 woman.” (National Center for Educational Statistics) Simply put, young women are now

more likely to enroll in, and graduate from college than young men. But, what has caused

this gender reversal? One assumes that since women are earning more degrees, they

should be earning more money as well. Which logically makes sense. However, more

degrees don’t always equal more money. At least not in this unequal world, and ,sadly, not

for women today. Even though the ratio of the degrees earned by women is higher than men,

men with the same qualifications as their female counterparts earn higher wages.

    Another major reason, which contributes to the discriminatory behavior towards women in

India, is the dowry system in marriage. Because of this dowry system, most Indian families

consider girls as a burden. Preference for son still prevails. Girls have refrained from higher

education. Women are not entitled to equal job opportunities and wages. In the 21st century,

women are still preferred gender in home managing activities. Many women quit their job

and opt-out from leadership roles because of family commitments. However, such actions

are very uncommon among men.