Gender Issues In Sociology Essay

“The concept of gender is used by sociologists to describe all the socially given attributes, roles, activities and responsibilities connected to being male or female in a given society. Our gender identity determines how we are perceived and how we are expected to think and act as women and men, because of the way society is organised” (March et al, 1999)
According to Lindsey (2010), Patriarchy is perceived as the perpetuator of female subjugation and disadvantage within all societies (Institute of Economic Affairs, 2008). Globally, all social structures are male-dominated and uphold androcentric norms which favour men over women and define women’s oppression as being confined to unalterable biological determinants (Parpart, et al, 2008; Kishanger, 2007:3). This androcentric culture is particularly evident in the African history (Parpat et al, 2000). Women themselves deeply internalise and adhere to these norms and perceive themselves as being unsuitable for non-domestic roles. This explains the cross cultural perception that girls only end up in marriage and therefore any investments on them accrue to the benefits of their marital families upon marriage (Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), 2008). Thus the historical and global evidence of
Authors assert that this type of hierarchy is growth retarding and development stifling (Lindsey, 2010; GAAP, 2014). When women achieve better health and improved living conditions, it has positive impact on the socioeconomic development of their countries especially since women form the majority of the poor in society. Strengthening women’s asset holdings is therefore crucial for several development outcomes including food security, child nutrition, education and women’s wellbeing (Deere and Grow, 2008; IFPRI, 2008; Das and Quisumbing,