Introduction
The 21st century has experienced globalization, which is the increase in the integration of nations. This integration has occurred in various aspects, including trade, culture, and politics. The globalization phenomenon has had various effects on all nations. It has led to significant changes in the economic, social, and cultural levels. By promoting the free movement of people, money, and ideas, globalization has resulted in social changes.
One social issue that has been influenced by this phenomenon is gender inequality. Gender inequality arises when discrimination occurs based on gender. Almost universally, the system of gender inequality disadvantages women while men are allowed to dominate society. Metcalfe (2008) reveals that the eradication of gender inequalities is a global concern. Globalization has a positive effect on gender equality, and the paper will discuss the reasons why in terms of employment opportunities, treaties, and changing gender expectations.
Globalization Promoting Gender Equity
Globalization has increased the economic activities available for women in most nations. Seo-Young (2014) observes that a defining characteristic of globalization has been the massive exchanges of economic activities. This economic integration has fostered gender equality by promoting women employment in countries where women are not well represented in the labor force.
Seguino and Grown (2006) asset that globalization has provided many opportunities for women to participate in paid labor activities and that this phenomenon has propelled women into labor markets in economies of varying structures. This assertion is confirmed by Seo-Young (2014), who observes that the trade openness brought about by globalization positively affects women’s economic rights.
Societies that did not encourage their women to engage in paid labor have been forced to reconsider this as globalization has led to greater demand for labor. In the UAE, globalization has increased employment opportunities for women by generating jobs in export processing and administration (Metcalfe, 2008). Gender equity has, therefore, been enhanced by increasing women’s presence in the employment sector.
Gender inequality has been reduced as nations ratify treaties that require them to avoid discrimination based on gender. One of the characteristics of globalization has been the increase in the number of international treaties made by nations. While most of the agreements focus on economics and politics, a number of socially oriented treaties have been made.
One of the social treaties is CEDAW, which requires a nation to demonstrate commitment to promoting women’s legal equity, eliminate discrimination, and promote women’s development and empowerment (Hawkesworth, 2006).
When a nation that traditionally practices gender inequality signs such a convention, it is obliged to take steps to promote equality. Seo-Young (2014) reveals that national commitments to CEDAW are an important driving force of diffusing gender equality worldwide. The UAE has signed the CEDAW, which means that it is working towards promoting gender equality.
Globalization has changed the gender expectations that were traditionally held by members of society. Each community has some traditionally established gender roles that its members follow. Without exposure to outside ideas, individuals are likely to conform to their expectations. However, globalization has resulted in an exchange of ideas between different cultures (Black and Brainerd, 2009).
The traditional gender roles have been challenged by external ideas where the roles might be significantly different. This has led to a situation where individuals are influenced to adopt non-traditional gender roles. Gunter and Hoeven (2009) note that, in most cases, gender roles are borrowed from Western countries where gender equality is emphasized. By promoting the adoption of these western perspectives, globalization contributes to the achievement of gender equality.
Societies that relied on certain gender inequality theories to perpetuate inequality have been made to reconsider their stance by globalization. Many nations follow the functionalist theory, which advances that gender inequalities exist to increase the efficiency of labor provision. This theory justifies suggests that society is complex, and it can only work efficiently if certain members are responsible for certain jobs, and others provide other labor acts (Hawkesworth, 2006).
Globalization has revealed to all nations that this is not true. Through this phenomenon, people from nations such as the UAE have been exposed to other cultures where the division of labor is not based on gender. By observing that such societies function efficiently, individuals are made to question the functionalist perspective. Inequality has, therefore, been reduced since it is no longer seen as a way to increase the efficient delivery of labor in society.
Conclusion
Globalization is a powerful force for social change in the world. This paper set out to show that globalization has had a positive effect on gender equality. It began by showing that gender inequality mostly disadvantages women in society. The paper revealed how globalization promotes gender equity by increasing employment opportunities for women.
The phenomenon also increases the adoption of treaties that favor gender equity by countries all over the world. In addition to this, globalization promotes the movement of ideas, and this causes people to challenge traditionally imposed gender roles. Nations should, therefore, endeavor to promote globalization since it is helping the society move towards the ideal of complete gender equity.
References
Black, S., & Brainerd, E. (2009). Importing equality? The impact of globalization on gender discrimination. Industrial & Labor Relations, 57(4), 540-559
Gunter, B., & Hoeven, R. (2009). The social dimension of globalization: a review of the literature. London: International Labour Organization.
Hawkesworth, M.E. (2006). Globalization and Feminist Activism. Boston: Rowman & Littlefield.
Metcalfe, B. (2008). Women, management and globalization in the Middle East. Journal of Business Ethics, 83(1), 85-100..
Seguino, S., & Grown, C. (2006). Gender equity and globalization: macroeconomic policy for developing countries. Journal of International Development, 18(8), 1081-1104.
Seo-Young, C. (2014). International Women’s Convention, Democracy, and Gender Equality. Social Science Quarterly, 95(3), 719-739.