Gender inequality in Australia
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In Australia, gender inequality denotes the inconsistencies between individuals due to gender. The topic covers a variety of concerns from health to equal opportunity in terms of employment and wages.
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[edit] Legislation
In response to the concerns, the Australian government have implemented various legislation such as the Sex Discrimination Act 1984. The legislation covers the issues of discrimination in education, partnerships, marital status, sexual harassment and potential pregnancy.
The Australian government has also formed an agency, the EOWA to deal with such matters.
[edit] Sociological analysis
From a sociological standpoint, a distinction is made between sex and gender, where it is argued that gender is the product of social discourse.
The question of whether these trends are the result of personal decisions or the product of social pressure, is highly contentious.
[edit] Issues
[edit] Employment
Gender wage gaps are evident through statistical data. In 2002, the ratio of income between men and women stood at 84.6%[1]. It should be noted that such data illustrates progressive improvements, from 79% in 1985 [2]
Inequality is also highlighed by the disproportinate number of male to female ratio in executive jobs and in various other fields such as teaching. In addition, a disproportinate number of women work in part time or casual positions. Thus the glass ceiling situation is evident in the Australian workforce.
[edit] Gender and health
Differences in health is illustrated through the data retrieved from the ABS, where it gap between men and women in terms of life expectency. In 1998, the life expectancy of men was 75.9 compared to 81.5 for women.[3]
[edit] Education
The inequality in the context of education, has greater implications in terms of future employment. Elements of the school curriculum still advocate certain gender specific practices[citation needed]
[edit] Sexuality
Denotes the wider concerns regarding the recognition of LGBT rights.
[edit] References
- ^ Cotter, A “Gender injustice: an international comparative analysis of equality in employment”, pp.90-94. Ashgate Publishing, 2004.
- ^ Bessant, Watts "Sociology in Australia", pp.205-208. Allen & Unwin, 2002.
- ^ Greig, Lewins, White, “Inequality in Australia”, p.60. Cambridge University Press, 2003.
[edit] External links
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