Women Empowerment in Sociology: Breaking Barriers, Creating Equality

Women empowerment is a crucial sociological concept that advocates for women’s social, economic, and political empowerment to achieve gender equality. It involves dismantling systemic barriers, challenging gender norms, and promoting women’s agencies and autonomy. This article explores the multifaceted aspects of women’s empowerment from a sociological perspective, analyzing its significance in society, and providing real-life examples of how it has transformed the lives of women globally.

Understanding Women Empowerment in Sociology

• Challenging Gender Norms: Sociologists emphasize the importance of challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes that restrict women’s societal roles and opportunities. By deconstructing these norms, women can envision and pursue diverse pathways for personal and professional growth.
• Access to Education: Women empowerment involves ensuring equal access to education for girls and women. Education is a critical catalyst for women’s empowerment, enabling them to acquire knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate actively in various spheres of life.
• Economic Empowerment: Economic empowerment entails creating opportunities for women to participate in the workforce, earn fair wages, and access resources to achieve financial independence. This helps reduce economic disparities and enhances women’s decision-making power within their households.
• Political Participation: Sociologists emphasize the importance of women’s political participation and representation in decision-making processes. Empowering women politically leads to more inclusive policies that address gender-specific issues and concerns.

Examples of Women Empowerment in Action

• The Microfinance Movement: Microfinance initiatives, such as Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, have provided small loans to women entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses. This approach has led to increased economic independence and improved livelihoods for many women in low-income communities.
• Women in STEM: Efforts to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields aim to break gender barriers and bridge the gender gap in these male-dominated industries. Initiatives that promote mentorship, scholarships, and supportive environments have encouraged more women to pursue careers in STEM.
• The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Historically, the women’s suffrage movement fought for women’s right to vote, leading to significant social and political changes. This empowered women to participate in democratic processes and influence policy-making.
• The HeForShe Campaign: The HeForShe campaign, launched by UN Women, encourages men to stand in solidarity with women’s rights and gender equality. This initiative demonstrates the importance of involving all genders in the fight for women empowerment.
• Maternal Health and Reproductive Rights: Advocacy for maternal health and reproductive rights empowers women to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. Improved access to healthcare and family planning services helps women plan their futures and pursue their aspirations.

In Conclusion, the women empowerment is a powerful force for social change, fostering gender equality and inclusivity in all spheres of life. Through the lens of sociology, we understand that empowering women involves challenging gender norms, ensuring access to education and economic opportunities, and promoting political participation. Real-life examples demonstrate that women empowerment initiatives have positively impacted the lives of women worldwide, narrowing gender gaps, and creating a more equitable society. By continuing to support women’s rights and advocate for women empowerment, we move closer to a world where every woman can realize her full potential and contribute to the progress and prosperity of humanity.

By Khushdil Khan Kasi

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Division of Labor

Structural functionalist believe that, division of labor is effective to attain specific goal. In traditional societies; man was responsible to finance household expenses in family. Whereas, woman was responsible for household chores and taking care of children. Therefore, structural-functionalist considers, gender based division of labor effective; for the smooth functioning of family. Firstly, husband and wife will be specialized in tasks, associated with their roles. Secondly, different roles and responsibilities will eradicate competition between husband and wife. Lastly, distinct gender roles force spouses to depend on each other; which will strengthen family bond. 

Conflict theorist believe that, division of labor give power and control to few groups or people, over the scarce resources within a society. Of course, if female specialize in household tasks, she will not have power and control over resources. However, Structural-functional perspective is based on the assumption, each functioning institution contributes for the stability and functioning of society. If one institution does not function properly, it will disorganize entire social structure. Therefore, Gender based division of labor is considered necessary for smooth functioning of Family and society.
Conflict perspective;

Sexism and Discrimination

Conflict theorist believe that, men use gender inequality to get power and control over scarce resources. The argument is supported by two theories which are, sexism and discrimination. Sexism refer to the belief, that men do have the capacity for some jobs but women don’t; due to biological differences. Therefore, men and women are treated differently within a society. According to conflict theorists, sexism is a weapon used by men to create and sustain stratification. If men exclude women from the competition on the basis of sexism. Men will have absolute control and power over scarce resources.
Discrimination is the outcome of sexism. Giving preference to men over women, for any occupation on the basis of physical appearance is called discrimination. For instance, if Organizations prefer to hire men compare to women. Paying less salary to women compare to men, for the same job. Judging people capabilities for profession and education, on the basis of biological makeup is called, gender discrimination.

Symbolic interaction Perspective

Symbolic interactionist are interested, in determining the sources and impacts of sexism in routine social interaction. In 1998 Karin martin conducted a research; to determine how boys and girls learn gender roles in schools. Her research suggested that, in schools teachers treat children differently on the basis of their physical appearances. Boys were restrained from playing dress up however, they are interested in doing so. Boys were allowed to play rough games; shouting and rolling on ground. On the other hand, girls were restrained from such activities. Girls have to talk in lower voice and raise their hands before asking question. Adulthood behavior is reflection of normative behavior; which is learned in early age by children through social interaction. Boys and girls are socialized differently in social institutions, according to presumed societal roles.

Another study was conducted in sleep away camp on gender inequality. Which suggests that, those boys attained popularity in camp, who were good in athletic activities. They used physical strength to endure their popularity by, bullying weaker children and sexually harassing girls. Moreover, popular boys were aggressive towards, any boy they view to hold, “feminine traits” and girl they view to pertain, “masculine traits”. They led the other boys to act aggressive towards them too, for maintaining their status.   

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What is considered as moral and immoral, accepted or prohibited? are defined by the norms values and beliefs of society. For example, societies in which monogamy is normative behavior, extramarital sex and polygamy will be considered immoral and not accepted by the society. Sexual attitude is learned by an individual from family, friends, education, religion and media. In Traditional societies, religion dictated the guiding principles of sexual behavior however, in contemporary society’s peers and media have more influence on individual sexual behavior compare to religion. 

As discussed earlier that normative behavior regarding sexuality vary in different societies. According to cross national research, Scandinavian countries are more tolerant regarding premarital sex compare to other countries. People of Central Asian countries and south Asian countries value chastity, in their potential mate particularly in women. People of Philippine consider sex unethical before the age of 16.  

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Boys and girls learn from young age that, different social roles are expected from them by the members of society. Cross cultural study suggest that, by the age of 2 or 3 children become aware of their social roles, at the age of 6 they act accordingly. They acquire these roles via the process of socialization. In the process of socialization people learn the expected behavior dictated by the societal norms, values and beliefs. In most societies riding bike is considered as the masculine activity and men are expected to ride motorcycle. Females are considered to be, too fragile and timid for riding bike. Such stereotype laid the foundation of sexism.

Sexism refers to the discriminatory beliefs of the society, that value one sex over other. In societies where sexism exist and women are unvalued compare to men, girls may not have access to, nutrition, education, comfort, play and healthcare same as boys. Girls in such society start believing that they deserve to be treated differently from boys. Gender based discrimination exist both at macro and micro level of society. Discrimination that develop into the social structure is known as institutional discrimination.  

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Individuals within a society who act opposite to their gender roles are known as transgender. Transgendered male are tempted towards feminine gender roles that they identify their gender as female. Same goes with transgendered female they embrace the masculine gender roles and identify themselves as male. Some transgender alter their bodies surgically and by hormonal therapies so their physical appearance align with their gender identity- they are called transsexuals. Some transgender alter their bodies surgically but others keep their anatomy original as it was at birth, however, they pose in a public as opposite gender. They present themselves as opposite gender by dress, hairstyle, makeup and mannerism. However, it is not necessary that a person who like to dress like opposite sex are transgender, some do it for style and entertainment.

In many societies’ transgendered and transsexual become victim of discrimination and assault. According to a study transgendered and transsexual experience twice discrimination compare to non-transgender individuals. There are many social organizations who are working for the prevention of discrimination against transgendered.

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Roles learning starts from childhood by, socialization. Usually male babies is dressed in blue and female babies is dressed in pink. Furthermore, the toys with which the children play are different for both sexes, parents buy toys for boys such as, guns and superhero figures, on the other hand, they buy toys for the girls like, dolls and dress up apparel. Toys may not seem to be having any impact on the behavior, however, it does have impact on the behavior of children. The kind of toys children play with promotes the normative behavior. 

The masculinity and femininity roles continues as we grow. Males usually outnumber females in certain professions such as, politics, law enforcement and military. However, female outnumber the male in nurturing profession such as, social work, healthcare and childcare. The professional choices of male and female are not their personal preference, however, it is to meet the expectation of the society.    

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According to American psychological association, people discover their sexual orientation during middle childhood and early adolescence. It is not necessary to have intimate relationship to discover sexual orientation. The discovery of sexual orientation can be based on feelings and emotions. People of different sexual orientation may have different experiences in the discovery and acceptance of their sexual orientation. Some people discover and accept their sexual orientation in early puberty though, others may discover their sexual orientation at same age but hesitate to accept it, if it is not considered normative like homosexuality and bisexuality.

There is no scientific evidence regarding different sexual orientation. Studies have been conducted, to identify hormonal, genetic, social and cultural influence on sexual orientation though, no evidence has been found yet to link sexual orientation with the mentioned factors. However, another study has been conducted to identify “discrimination against homosexuality and bisexuality” at school and workplace. Study results suggest that, 4 per 1000 people discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation at workplace, military and school.         

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Sex is assigned to male and female on the basis of biological makeup. If a baby is born with male genitalia, he will be identified as, male at birth and if the baby is born with female genitalia, she will be assigned as female at birth. Biological characteristics do not differ in different societies. All Female in every society menstruate and lactate after giving birth to a child. However, gender roles are different for male and female in different societies and cultures. In western society women roles are not different than male role though, in Middle Eastern society males are supposed to be the bread winner and female are supposed to do household chores. In Some societies male and female dressing style are unisex though, in others dress code of male and female differ from each other. Gender refer to the different roles and responsibilities of male and female assigned by the society, according to their cultural norms.     

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