Inequality or discrimination of women is that state in which women do not get equal opportunities and rights as that of men. Gender inequality describes the unequal distribution of privileges between men and women when it comes to employment opportunity and wealth. However, women are the mostly affected by this issue of unequal treatment. It is a general fact and observation that there is so much discrimination when it comes to women in the Caribbean. It is evident that, Caribbean women are more likely to be unemployed than men. Trinidad and Tobago are Caribbean islands in which economic studies have shown that mostly women are unemployed. (Lengermann,1990) stated the feminist sociological theory as “a systematic and critical reevaluation of sociology’s core assumptions in light of the discoveries being made within another community of discourse….”. The Conflict theory shows that different groups within a society are competing for limited resources and power. This theory was exposed by German philosopher Karl Marx.
In recent times, there has been debates about the differences in academic performances of boys and girls Trinidad. In an article entitled ‘Gender inequalities in the workplace’, Stamarski & Son Hing (2015), it shows that in a recent study (Moss-Racusin et al, 2012), “The male applicant was rated as significantly more competent and hirable, offered a higher starting salary and offered more career mentoring than the female applicant was.” In the Trinidad and Tobago, this is an issue that has been recurring for many young women who are now entering the workforce and are well educated and are being paid less than men. “Data from the University of the West Indies for at least the past 3 years, puts the number of female students at more than 65% but Caribbean women make 60 to 70 cents for every dollar made by men” (Turner-Jones, 2020). I believe that Trinidad and Tobago may need to implement and enforce more policies and legislations to promote equal benefits for women of human rights, including the right to reap economic and social benefits. Many economists have studied pay gaps when it comes to gender since the 1950s and are challenged to find solutions. With the evidence that I have been provided, I agree that females are not treated equally, when it comes to occupations, education and generally in the Caribbean society (including Trinidad) as observed in the feminist and functionalist perspective.
Although Guyana is one exception for Caribbean islands with a legal framework that encourages equal rights for women and men when it comes to their pay, there is still research by feminist that proves that women are unequally treated. In Trinidad, this issue is still and existing issue in this age. When it comes to education, students from schools in Trinidad and Tobago were questioned on the reasons why they believe that females were most outstanding in high school and the findings from Trinidad and Tobago. (Jackman 2015) provided evidence that Trinidad and Tobago's CSEC results for the period 2005–2010 reflected an academic achievement gap which favored females over males in several subject areas. (Morris. J,1993) Women who were considered to be successful in administrative areas tended to have been supported by sponsors or mentors, especially in male-dominated environments.
Do you think that Social stratification might influence the support of a woman in a job? Would it encourage promotion? Social stratification refers to the way a society categorizes people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers based on a few factors like wealth, income, race, education, and power. I believe that it may influence less decimation if a woman comes from a family that is of good wealth because it may create a view to society that she can be supported by these persons who are already in high places. These are factors which prove that women are being discriminated despite of their high academic standard and may be deprived of jobs if they are not supported by men. Many Organizations in Trinidad are reluctant and hesitant when it comes to placing women in senior or executive positions.
Culture refers to the shared symbols that people create help them solve real-life problems. According to (E.B. Taylor in 1860s) “culture is the sum total of ideas, beliefs, values, material cultural equipment and non-material aspects which man makes as a member of society”. When it comes to culture and feminism, traditionally women’s roles were to be caregivers in the household while men would be the breadwinners who go out to work. In my opinion, this could be a possible influence on inequality when it comes to women in the workforce. There might still be that impression that women are not suitable for jobs outside of the home and may need to be more family oriented and only dominant in the household.
I believe that the mindset a society has impacts gender inequality. Society may determine the differences in values that male and females should possess in every aspect of life. This encourages future generations to believe or have the perspective that women are only suppose to do certain jobs or only play a specific role in society. This issue may cause demotivation in some women because they may fear rejection or believe that may never get to achieve their desired goals. This is therefore considered as unequal treatment and discrimination within a society and it affects women who actively work as well as those who are searching for jobs.
In my opinion, employers are now looking for ways to employ men because they tend to spend less time away from work due to having less responsibilities such as taking care of children. Also, women of child bearing age usually are required to stay on maternity leave for a period of time. Men may get paternity leave; however, it is not as mandatory as women. It is a given fact that the mentality of employers show that they believe that men are greater risktakers at work and provide more physical support to the companies.
Norms are the means through which values are expressed in behavior and they are generally the rules and regulations that groups live by. They are defined by individuals and societies as they are crucial to the society. It is a norm that persons who undertake presidency are married. Currently, Trinidad is one of the Caribbean islands which is currently governed by a female president who faced backlash for not being married and obtaining presidency. She once quoted in an interview “…women must now take the opportunity to achieve gender balance in all aspects of life” as she endorses gender equality on the island. I believe that that so many women can agree that if it were to be a man in the position of presidency in the Caribbean there would be no big argument about his marital status especially by various religions.
Trinidad and Tobago inherited its voting system and started the franchise in 1832 and all registrations during the 19th century for voting only concerned men, while women had to wait longer to obtain voting rights, until the year 1918. Based on the qualifications of their husbands, women were given the rights in order to vote at local government elections.
Should I think that socialization has much to do with gender inequality? Socialization is the process by which human infants begin to acquire the skills necessary to perform as a functioning member of their society. This is the most influential learning process one can experience since humans need social experiences to learn their culture and to survive. Gender stereotypes can be a result of gender socialization. Girls and boys are expected to act in certain ways which are socialized from birth by parents and members of society. For instance, as the old say goes “girls are to be seen and not heard”, while it is more likely to expect guys to be messy and loud. As these children start to develop into society, these gender stereotypes become more apparent.
In conclusion, the statement “According to feminists’ women are unequally treated, compared to their male counterparts and have fewer promotional prospects in the workplace.” Is in fact true. Too Often, you may find women being reconsidered in positions by society. This issue of women being accepted and promoted in male dominated jobs still exist in Trinidad and Tobago and many neighbouring countries. I believe that this issue of inequality and feminism is faced in my country (Saint Lucia) well. Many theorists have provided factual information which shows that women are still battling with the issue of inequality, whether it may be political, family oriented or education wise. It is of my opinion that there are many reasons why gender inequality and discrimination still exist and many not be solved easily. Research has proven that employer liability schemes work against the interests and fair treatment of women in the workforce by placing the financial burden or strain on their employers because their government does not assist in that area. This creates a possible source of discrimination against women especially women of child bearing age. This issue may sound like one which may be continuous, however, with education and awareness of future generations the issue may lessen in future times.