A conversation I was having with a colleague last week - I'd have posted this then, but the forums were down (or at least weren't allowing posts(?)) so I've held off until today. Do we actually have gender equality, and does it actually work?
Whilst it's obvious that we (as a society) have come a long way over the years, I'm still not convinced that men and women are equal in all things, and I don't ever think we will be. The conversation mentioned above actually followed a conversation on here about one of the latest dating website posts, and how men were expected to chase the women of who typically had higher (unrealistic?) expectations.
In a gender equal world (or country) it wouldn't be down to men chasing women, it would be equal. Men wouldn't be expected to hold open a door for a woman (specifically), they'd not be expected to pay for a meal on a date (yes, that still happens), they'd not be expected to depart from their coat because said woman hadn't chosen the right amount of clothes for the cold winter evening.
Also, sex sells, it always has, and likely, always will. Female porn stars, escorts and prostitutes quite likely charge more than their male counterparts. Women can (to some extent) wear what they want when working in an office, men need to be dressed in a shirt and smart(ish) trousers. Many people joke/comment on women drivers (even though men can be just as terrible on the roads).
In some employments, women are given time off work after pregnancy, when men aren't (though I know some companies provide said time for men and women - as does the one I work for). Further speaking on employment, you'll find more women in retail and secretarial roles, and more men in factory employment - and yes, it can be argued that factory work is more heavy work, I can promise you that a lot of people (men) who work within a factory environment aren't exactly in peak physical form.
It seems also that more men work in the kitchen (within restaurants) whilst more women work as waitresses. I'm aware this isn't always the case, it just seems to be more. More men (seem to) work as personal trainers, more women work in beauty and hair (though I suppose this one has merit cause more women have more hair and use cosmetics).
The list really is endless, so the question of true gender equality should be asked. Do we actually have it? Is a true 50/50 equal stance even possible? Oh, and @Whedonite, seeing as you're one to usually (and wrongfully) assume that I'm somehow sexist with what I post, I'll make it very clear right here - I'm not. if you're unable to refrain from jumping to inconclusive assumptions, just don't post.
Whilst it's obvious that we (as a society) have come a long way over the years, I'm still not convinced that men and women are equal in all things, and I don't ever think we will be. The conversation mentioned above actually followed a conversation on here about one of the latest dating website posts, and how men were expected to chase the women of who typically had higher (unrealistic?) expectations.
In a gender equal world (or country) it wouldn't be down to men chasing women, it would be equal. Men wouldn't be expected to hold open a door for a woman (specifically), they'd not be expected to pay for a meal on a date (yes, that still happens), they'd not be expected to depart from their coat because said woman hadn't chosen the right amount of clothes for the cold winter evening.
Also, sex sells, it always has, and likely, always will. Female porn stars, escorts and prostitutes quite likely charge more than their male counterparts. Women can (to some extent) wear what they want when working in an office, men need to be dressed in a shirt and smart(ish) trousers. Many people joke/comment on women drivers (even though men can be just as terrible on the roads).
In some employments, women are given time off work after pregnancy, when men aren't (though I know some companies provide said time for men and women - as does the one I work for). Further speaking on employment, you'll find more women in retail and secretarial roles, and more men in factory employment - and yes, it can be argued that factory work is more heavy work, I can promise you that a lot of people (men) who work within a factory environment aren't exactly in peak physical form.
It seems also that more men work in the kitchen (within restaurants) whilst more women work as waitresses. I'm aware this isn't always the case, it just seems to be more. More men (seem to) work as personal trainers, more women work in beauty and hair (though I suppose this one has merit cause more women have more hair and use cosmetics).
The list really is endless, so the question of true gender equality should be asked. Do we actually have it? Is a true 50/50 equal stance even possible? Oh, and @Whedonite, seeing as you're one to usually (and wrongfully) assume that I'm somehow sexist with what I post, I'll make it very clear right here - I'm not. if you're unable to refrain from jumping to inconclusive assumptions, just don't post.
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