Name: Cardenas, Rein Janelle G.

Course and Section: BSE-FIL 2

Gender Differences and Inequalities

I. INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

There are significant differences and inequalities that both genders experience in

our society. However, women often face more challenges, particularly in accessing career

opportunities, education, and property ownership. And also women are more likely to

experience harassment and abuse in various settings, including their households, public

spaces, and workplaces. Due to these persistent issues, numerous organizations

advocate for women's rights, aiming to raise awareness and address the daily struggles

that many women endure.

In a social context, women are often perceived as fragile and submissive, making

them more vulnerable to abuse, especially in the workplace. Although men also encounter

inequalities, women generally have more legal protections in place to address abuse and

discrimination. For example, in the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the

"Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004," safeguards women and

children from abuse. However, there are limited legal protections for men who experience

harassment or abuse from their spouses, colleagues, or other individuals. This lack of

legal support highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to addressing gender-

based violence and ensuring that both men and women receive equal protection under

the law.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

According to functionalism theory, social patterns and interrelated systems in

society are stable and organized, and they work together to satisfy the needs of

individuals. There is a social framework that exists apart from people. Individuals are
shaped by the norms and values that are transmitted through institutions in this social

system.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This reflection is intended to provide answers to questions that will allow the student

to assess what is Gender differences and inequalities. The student is seeking for answers

to the following queries.

1. What are the major gender inequalities experienced by women or men?

2. How does societal perception of women as fragile and submissive contribute to

their vulnerability to abuse and harassment?

REALITY

A 2018 analysis of prevalence data from 2000 to 2018, conducted by the World

Health Organization (WHO) on behalf of the UN Interagency Working Group on Violence

Against Women, examined data from 161 countries and regions. The study found that

nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide, or approximately 30%, have experienced physical and/or

sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner sexual violence, or both. These

statistics highlight the alarming reality that women are more frequently targeted for abuse

than men. While violence and abuse can affect individuals of any gender, women remain

the primary victims of such acts. However, men who suffer from physical or sexual abuse

often lack the same level of legal protection and support systems. There is a common

perception that women are the only ones who experience gender-based inequalities, but

men also face struggles due to societal expectations and the lack of legal safeguards.

REFLECTION

Inequalities exist in both genders and are largely shaped by societal perceptions

of men and women. While there are significant differences between the two, both genders

require equal rights and support to protect them from discrimination, abuse, and other

forms of injustice. Unfortunately, the needs of boys and men are often overlooked,

particularly in terms of protection from abuse and violence. On the other hand, women

continue to face barriers in securing leadership roles in the economy, despite having the

capability to manage responsibilities just as men do. Women are often perceived as

fragile and submissive, leading to their continued oppression. In the Philippine

government today, female candidates in political parties do not receive the same level of

voter support as their male counterparts. Additionally, many women fail to recognize the

skills and potential of other women, raising the question if women themselves do not

acknowledge their own worth, how can society, particularly men, be expected to do so?
RESPONSE

The differences between men and women are often highlighted because of their

traditionally assigned roles in society. Women are frequently seen as caregivers

responsible for household chores and maintaining order in the home, while men are

viewed as strong and expected to be the primary breadwinners. As a result, women in

the workplace often face criticism and become targets of abuse due to these deeply

ingrained societal norms. To create a more just and equal society, it is essential to

challenge these outdated perceptions and provide both men and women with the

opportunities, protections, and recognition they deserve.

SUMMARY

In summary, there are significant differences between genders, but despite these

differences, both men and women experience abuse and inequalities in society. Inequality

can take many forms, affecting individuals regardless of gender. While men often have

more opportunities in various aspects of life, they lack sufficient legal protection,

particularly in the Philippines. There are no specific laws that safeguard husbands or men

from abuse by their partners or co-workers. Although men have the right to legal

protection, society often overlooks their struggles due to the deeply ingrained belief in

patriarchy. Because men are traditionally seen as dominant figures, their experiences of

abuse are frequently dismissed or ignored. On the other hand, women face different forms

of abuse, especially in public spaces and workplaces. Many men perceive women as

fragile and weak, making them more vulnerable to harassment and violence. Society has

long assigned women the role of caregivers, responsible for managing the household and

raising children. As a result, working women often face discrimination and are more likely

to become targets of violence, particularly sexual abuse, in professional settings.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, while men and women face different challenges, both experience

abuse and inequalities in society. Men often have more opportunities, but their struggles,

particularly regarding abuse, are frequently overlooked due to the prevailing patriarchal

mindset. On the other hand, women continue to face discrimination, harassment, and

violence, especially in public spaces and workplaces, as they are often perceived as weak

and suited only for caregiving roles.

RECOMMENDATION

In order to address different gender inequalities the government should strengthen

the legal protection of both gender, because both gender can experience the violence

and abuse, and also raising awareness for everyone to stop gender stereotypes.
REFERENCES

Simply Psychology. (2024, February 13). Functionalist Perspective & Theory in

Sociology.https://www.simplypsychology.org/functionalist-perspective.html#:~:tex

t=Functionalism%20is%20a%20theory%20that,the%20needs%20of%20individua

ls'%20needs.

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, March 25). Violence against women. https://w

ww.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

Republic Act No. 9262. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra92622004.ht

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