“One is not born a woman but becomes one” – Simone de Beauvoir What do you understand by this statement, keeping the situations faced by women in past, in mind? Do you agree? Do you think that this ...
The age-old debate! I'll provide a balanced perspective on this topic. Women's responsibility in achieving gender equality: While it's true that women can contribute to their own empowerment, it's crucial to acknowledge that societal structures, biases, and systemic barriers often hinder their progrRead more
The age-old debate! I’ll provide a balanced perspective on this topic.
Women’s responsibility in achieving gender equality:
While it’s true that women can contribute to their own empowerment, it’s crucial to acknowledge that societal structures, biases, and systemic barriers often hinder their progress. Women face unique challenges that prevent them from asking for their rights or feeling confident in their abilities. Here are some reasons why:
- Socialization: Women are often socialized to prioritize others’ needs over their own, which can lead to self-doubt and a lack of assertiveness.
- Limited representation: Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, making it harder for them to find role models or mentors who can guide and support them.
- Gender bias: Unconscious biases and stereotypes can affect hiring, promotion, and evaluation decisions, making it more difficult for women to advance in their careers.
- Work-life balance: Women often bear the burden of domestic responsibilities, making it challenging to balance work and family obligations.
- Fear of backlash: Women may fear speaking up or advocating for themselves, as they might be perceived as being “difficult” or “aggressive.”
Men’s responsibility in achieving gender equality:
Men play a crucial role in creating a more equitable work environment. They can:
- Be allies: Support women in their careers, offer mentorship, and advocate for gender equality.
- Challenge biases: Recognize and challenge their own biases and those of others, promoting a more inclusive culture.
- Share responsibilities: Take on more household and childcare responsibilities to help reduce the burden on women.
- Create a safe space: Ensure that women feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas without fear of judgment or retaliation.
- Be patient and empathetic: Understand that women may need more support and encouragement to achieve their goals.
Company’s responsibility:
Organizations can also play a significant role in promoting gender equality:
- Policies and practices: Implement policies that promote equal pay, flexible working arrangements, and parental leave.
- Training and education: Provide training on unconscious bias, intersectionality, and inclusive leadership.
- Accountability: Hold managers accountable for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Mentorship programs: Offer mentorship programs specifically designed for women, providing them with role models and guidance.
Simon De Beauvoir was a French philosopher and feminist. Beauvoir mentions this quote in her Magnum Opus book 'The 'Second Sex' published in 1949. The work discusses the myriad of women-centric issues, inspiring equality and liberation of women from the shackles of economic dependency. Beauvoir tracRead more
Simon De Beauvoir was a French philosopher and feminist. Beauvoir mentions this quote in her Magnum Opus book ‘The ‘Second Sex’ published in 1949. The work discusses the myriad of women-centric issues, inspiring equality and liberation of women from the shackles of economic dependency.
See lessBeauvoir traces the status of women from beginning till modern times through the methods of historical materialism and research. This refers to the influence of social and economic conditions on shaping the history and fortunes of women. The statement stands as the most historic argument for challenging the patriarchal code. By claiming “One is not born a woman; one becomes a woman, she argues that a woman is not born; she is gradually shaped by social and cultural factors. Her upbringing in certain parameters leads her to the process of ‘becoming’ a woman. Women acquire their roles from men and other members of society; biology has no role in this. Hence, womanhood is something that is attained by a woman rather than something innate.
Beauvior’s stance also contributes to gender studies in questioning the construction of gender identity. The main issue lies in the social and physiological conditioning of women, which psychologically forces her to subscribe to her assigned ‘role’ as a woman.
Physiological and social conditioning, both classical and operant, leads to changes in behavioural alterations in one’s identity. A woman is conditioned by her physiology, by virtue of her ability to bear children and by society. This is determined by conglomeration of external and internal agents, such as her father and teacher, in her milieu. She is also conditioned by societal expectations, rules, and treatment by institutions in both favorable and unfavorable ways. The expectations of society, regulations, and the favorable and negative treatment she receives from institutional or structural entities all condition her. This obligation leads to internalization of patriarchy by women further enhancing female subjugation. In present times, where women have united in raising their voice against all kinds of patriarchal-structural violences, it stands as a relevant argument to decipher the process of women’s identity formation, who are now dismantling the traditional norms and standards.