Introduction
Gender inequality is not an isolated problem that appears end exist separately in society. Personal understanding, as well as group instincts and reactions, are built gradually through various means of perception. Historically, several stereotypes and behavioral patterns of gender education directly impacted the current situation of inequality in the world. There are interdependent relations between the male educational model and female discrimination. Objectification and culture of suppressed emotions of the male gender lead to the further sexual objectification of the females resulting in unequal social positions.
Influence of objectification and the concept of masculinity
Modern stereotypical masculinity patterns support the concept of male objectification, creating additional layers of unfair treatment. The social norms were formed through many generations by fathers passing the beliefs and moral lessons to their sons. Among the unifying context of masculinity, Kimmel defines the rules of “never showing emotions or admitting to weakness” (Kimmel, 609). He highlights the concept of “being a man,” which is closely connected with all types of power, financial, social, gender, physical and mental (Kimmel, 611). The early influence of the gender police as a father figure firmly holds the impression of a constant need to prove the worthiness of being a man. Otherwise, there is a risk of being labeled as a “mama’s boy” or homosexual. The men’s need for social and self-approval frequently reflects on their relationship with women and the urge to place themselves higher than females who did not pass the power criteria. Such an approach to masculinity objectifies a man as exclusively physical power, and without any interference, it will be passed to future generations.
Social spread of a sexual image of girls and women
While the concept of masculinity and power are introduced mainly through the surrounding of a young boy, the social perception of a woman as a sexual object became a generally known phenomenon. The discussed idea of a “powerful man” largely impacted the formation of the image of a woman. Most media depicted men as not only powerful but also dominant; consequently, the other sex was chosen as an opposite element of submission (Kilbourne, 422). Various violent and sexual acts towards girls were shown through advertising, exposing perceivers of the information to the dangerous culture of normalization of such behavior. Kilbourne emphasizes that “Ads don’t directly cause violence. But the violent images contribute to the state of terror. Moreover, objectification and disconnection create a climate in which there is widespread and increasing violence” (431). And how can a man raised in this media field perceive a woman as a boss, equal co-worker, the president, or scientist? Thus, the established image of a sexual or submissive woman increases the gender gap in every social sphere.
Progress in gender equality and solutions to the problem
Even though there are severe problems with social perception of the female sex by men, it does not mean that the situation remains the same. Scientists detected a substantial reduction in gender inequality on social indicators. According to P. England, the employment ratio, for instance, rose dramatically from 0.53 in 1970 to 0.85 in 1995 (6993). Additionally, the segregation of professions has reduced since 1970, moving from 0.60 to 0.42. (England, 6994). However, the main issue is that progress has stalled since 1990, so there is a lot of work for the future generation to overcome stereotypical gender perceptions. It can be achieved first by the shift in narrative about masculinity and rejection of the submissive sexual image of a woman.
Conclusion
Therefore, the problem of inequality is a complex concept that includes objectification and stereotyping of both genders. While men do not allow to be weak and show emotions since childhood, women become a vision of the reflection of male domination. Regardless of the progress made in the last decades in gender equality, there is still much work to be done to erase harmful ideas.
Works Cited
England, Paula, et al. “Progress Toward Gender Equality in the United States has Slowed or Stalled.” PNAS, vol. 117 no. 13, 2020, pp. 6990–6997.
Kilbourne, Jean. “Two Ways a Woman Can Get Hurt.” Rereading America, edited by Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, Bonnie Lisle. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2013, pp. 420-444.
Kimmel, Michael. “Bros Before Hos”: The Guy Code.” Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men. HarperCollins, 2008, pp. 608-616.