Sexism is still prevalent in today’s society mainly because of two types of people: those who believe one gender is superior to the other, and those who believe both genders are equal but do nothing to help the situation.
Many people are under the impression that when women obtained the right to vote in 1920, sexism ended, but it remains a prevalent issue today. Though under the law women might be viewed equally, the way they’re portrayed suggests otherwise.
In today’s society, women are no longer expected to stay at home, bake cookies and take care of the children. However, women who do step into the workforce are not treated equally in terms of payment and job positions.
Women had to step up and take on the jobs that the male soldiers left behind during World Wars I and II. The only reason this even happened was because the men were no longer at home to work, so there was no other option but to let women work. Women began working in factories and having jobs other than the ones that were distinctly left for females such as nursing and being a secretary. When the soldiers returned from war, some women continued working the jobs they already had. Thus began the image of a working woman who doesn’t need to rely on an income from a husband, but can earn a living on her own.
If a woman does the same work as a man she makes, on average, 77 cents for every dollar he makes. The only difference between these two workers is their physiology. How would you feel if you and someone sitting next to you got the same number of questions right on a test, but you received a lower grade because your shoulders were more narrow?
Speaking of physiology, women are objectified in magazines and advertisements even when it has nothing to do with the product. For example, almost every perfume advertisement involves a nearly naked woman holding the bottle in a seductive manner. No one is actually looking at the perfume any longer, and many believe if they do buy this perfume, they are instantly 5’7”, 110 pounds and beautiful. Objectifying women only promotes sexism, and those who don’t meet the criteria for being a “perfect woman” often feel like they are lesser than other women.
Though the first reaction is to blame men for the negative treatment of women, it’s not their fault alone. Many women, whether they realize it or not, don’t help to promote equality between genders. Many women shy away from jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, which are primarily dominated by men. This promotes the continuation of the cycle of gender inequality.
Then, there are certain people who believe women are better than men. This is the same problem women are currently dealing with, just flipped, making this situation equally wrong.
Gender inequality only exists because our society allows it to. Though the treatment of women is better than a century ago, there are still many problems to fix. In order to make any kind of change, both men and women need to get together and equally fight for the end of sexism.