Consider critically, that gender discrimination is a rather man-made concept but not naturally endowed.

The Social Construction of Gender

The core argument supporting the claim that gender discrimination is man-made rests on the sociological understanding of gender as a social construct. This perspective, championed by scholars like Simone de Beauvoir (“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman”), posits that gender roles are not predetermined but are learned through socialization. From infancy, individuals are exposed to societal expectations about how they should behave, dress, and express themselves based on their assigned sex.

• Socialization Agents: Family, education, media, and religion all play a role in reinforcing gender stereotypes. Toys, clothing, and even language used to address children often reflect and perpetuate these norms.
• Cultural Variability: Gender roles vary significantly across cultures and historical periods. What is considered ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’ in one society may be different in another, demonstrating the fluidity and constructed nature of these concepts. For example, the Hijra community in India represents a third gender, challenging the binary understanding prevalent in many Western societies.
• Performance of Gender: Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity suggests that gender is not an internal essence but is enacted through repeated performances of socially prescribed behaviors. These performances, while appearing natural, are constantly reinforcing and recreating gender norms.

Biological Arguments and Counterpoints

While the social constructionist view is dominant, biological arguments are often raised to support the idea that some gender differences are natural. These arguments typically focus on hormonal differences, brain structure, and evolutionary psychology.

• Hormonal Influences: Differences in hormone levels (testosterone and estrogen) are often cited as contributing to behavioral differences. However, the relationship between hormones and behavior is complex and not deterministic. Hormonal influences are often mediated by social and cultural factors.
• Evolutionary Psychology: Some evolutionary psychologists argue that gender differences evolved to fulfill specific reproductive roles. However, this perspective has been criticized for being speculative and for justifying existing inequalities.
• Neuroscience: Studies on brain structure have revealed some differences between male and female brains. However, these differences are often small and can be influenced by environmental factors. Furthermore, correlation does not equal causation.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that biological differences *exist*, but these differences do not inherently justify discrimination or inequality. The leap from biological difference to social hierarchy is a social and political one, not a natural one.

Manifestations of Man-Made Gender Discrimination

The consequences of socially constructed gender roles are evident in various forms of discrimination:

• Wage Gap: Globally, women earn less than men for comparable work. According to the UN Women, women earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men (2023 data). This gap is not solely due to differences in skills or experience but also reflects systemic biases in hiring, promotion, and pay.
• Underrepresentation in Leadership: Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions in politics, business, and academia. This is often attributed to gender stereotypes and barriers to advancement.
• Gender-Based Violence: Violence against women is a widespread problem rooted in patriarchal power structures and harmful gender norms.
• Access to Education and Healthcare: In many parts of the world, girls and women face barriers to accessing education and healthcare, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Intersectionality and Complexities

It’s important to recognize that gender discrimination intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as race, class, and caste. Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, highlights how these intersecting identities create unique experiences of oppression. For example, a woman of color may face both gender and racial discrimination, compounding her disadvantages.