Introduction
Many studies, speeches, and articles have been recently published to show the worth of discussing gender equality in society. Each story is usually full of personal emotions, negative experiences, and observations that make people understand that, in their intention to become democratic and free, people cannot solve one of the most integral concerns.
Discussion
In his article, Horton (2019) admits two global problems, namely climate emergency and gender inequality, and proves that the latter remains marginal in most debates and evaluations. Therefore, it is not enough to say that gender inequality exists and continues to bother modern society. It is more important to reveal the truth about gender relationships, give clear definitions, and share the background to ensure all concepts of gender equality are well-explained and properly implemented. In the article, the author presents such concepts as violence, harm, empowerment, freedom, and universal care from the point of view of capitalism, liberalism, and feminism to reach the point of gender equality.
All concepts of gender equality have to be interpreted through the prism of its definition and behavioral characteristics. Horton (2019) addresses the sustainable development goals for peace and human prosperity to explain gender equality as a necessity to achieve a number of purposes based on interpersonal relationships. First, it is expected to end “all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls” (Horton, 2019, para. 2).
However, according to Steiner (2013), most women do not recognize abuse or violence, and, when it is too late, they cannot solve a problem because of fears for their lives. Biased gender relationships hide the ugly truth about violence, abuse, and discrimination, and few attempts are made to change the situation. Thus, gender equality is hard to attain due to poor awareness and recognition of the issue.
In addition to improved education and identification of the limits of human behaviors, people should think about the steps to promote positive changes. Horton (2019) suggests eliminating harmful and unfair practices and empowering women. Still, this goal is also complex and lies in the historically wrong interpretations of capitalism and liberal feminism. In a capitalist society, gender oppression provokes the undervaluation of women’s work and responsibilities (Horton, 2019).
In other words, there is a common belief that women must take care of their families, husbands, and children, do domestic work, and never think about payment. A woman is responsible for food, cleanliness, and an overall healthy environment at home. Men are the main sources of financial support and stability. Still, there are many working mothers and wives today, and the question of money should not be gender-centered anymore. Economic frameworks have been significantly expanded, proving that gender equality is possible when it is profitable for some groups of people. However, it is impossible to gain benefits for all population groups, and there has to be someone who pays a higher price for success.
Finally, as soon as violence is eradicated and empowerment is supported, certain outcomes should be observed. According to Horton (2019), political and public life freedoms, universal care, and rights may be properly distributed among women who believe in the possibility of gender equity. The author mentions the manifesto by Cinzia Arruzza, Tithi Bhattacharya, and Nancy Fraser, Feminism for the 99%, to blame capitalism and liberal feminism for gender oppression and the unwillingness to remove socioeconomic constraints (Horton, 2019). Instead of searching for a solution within a problematic initiative, creating a new one without unclear points and additional questions is better. In the article, anticapitalist feminism is the required resolution with such foundations as universal health care, freedom, and a new vision (Horton, 2019).
People should learn that their activities, not some principles from the past, determine their success or failures. It will help victims and oppressed individuals recognize their opportunities and understand that they can take another step and be free of violence and oppression (Steiner, 2013). Gender equality is no longer a myth or something controversial but a common condition under which modern societies can live.
Conclusion
Taking into consideration all the concepts of gender equity presented in the article and promoted in the TED talk, a specific solution may be proposed. Gender differences cannot be eliminated from the environment in which all people have to live today. However, these differences should not indicate the prevalence of one group over another. Gender equality is a result of the progress that all humans have been able to achieve during the last several decades. Instead of imposing unnecessary or unfair obligations and expectations, it is high time to think about the conditions under which genders demonstrate their best qualities and unique characteristics. Living in a world where gender equality prevails will become the most successful outcome. There are so many critical situations and problems that do not depend on individuals directly, but violence and oppression are the two basic human mistakes that may be solved. After reading the offered article, the only thought emerges – how to promote gender equality in all spheres of human life.
References
Horton, R. (2019). Offline: What is the point of gender equality anyway? The Lancet, 394(10215), 2136. Web.
Steiner, L. M. (2013). Why domestic violence victims don’t leave [Video]. TED. Web.