Gender Discrimination

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Recommended: Understanding the role of gender bias

Gender Discrimination
Within the United States election season of 2012, we heard many of our current, and wanna-be elected leaders discussing a ‘so-called’ war on women. Coming into this years election cycle we will undoubtedly hear more of this discussion, which begs the question: Is there really a war on women in America? In America, women make up only 19% of the US Congress, 5% of the Fortune 500 C-level executives, and just 16% of the Heads of State [Nilges]. Whether it be in politics, the workplace, or through inherent speech patterns, gender bias influences opportunities afforded to both men and women. While tremendous improvement has been made within the United States over the last 3 generations, it is clearly a challenge that requires a persistent, collective effort.
There are many aspects that go into occupational gender bias. The appearance of applicants in the workforce selection process is very compelling. Assuming similar skillsets, an ‘attractive’ applicant typically is preferred by hiring managers over an equally qualified ‘unattractive’ applicant. Additionally, there is the assumption of physical capability specific to the genders. Women, on average, are of a smaller build than men. A female, who may seem less physically capable than the opposing male colleague, could be either denied a promotion, or deprived of the position. There is definately gender bias in many business sectors worldwide. Some of these are very obvious, like within the construction fields, or military services. However, many biases are much less obvious, and yet so very meaningful. Occupational gender biases are nuanced, and may not be instantly observed.
In politics there is unequivocally sexual inequality. Women account for an unequalled 15....

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...ly then ecuminical. Gender equality will only strengthen our race and move us towards becoming cosmopolitan, the course we were meant to take.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Finn, Lisa. "Female Discrimination in the Workplace." Editorial. Global Post-America's World News Site. N.p., 2005. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. .
2. Nilges, Thorston. "Gender Inequality in Politics." Koed.hu. N.p., 2005. Web. 18 Mar. 2014. .
3. Sandberg, Sheryl, and Anna Mana Chares. "Sheryl Sandberg and Anna Mana Chares on 'BOSSY', the Other B-Word." SIRS Issues Reader. Wall Street Journal Online, 8 Mar. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. .
4. Shulte, Brigid. "Does Title IX Equality for Females Come at Males' Expense?" SIRS Issues Reader. N.p., 29 June 2013. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. .

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