Gender Inequality

Posted by Jan Hill

What experiences have you had as a student? Were you encouraged to follow an interest in science? What role did gender play in this? One main argument for same-sex scholling suggests that girls are less likely to encounter gender bias in science when there are no boys present in the classroom. What experiences have you had with respect to this?

Posted by Jan Hill

I attended a mixed-gender school from Kindergarten to the very end of my PhD. High school was a challenge. I was conscious that being 'a smart girl' might cut down on my date-ability. So, for a few years I kept my mouth shut and giggled alot. I spent alot of time doing my hair. I am curious about the strictures that girls face in girls-only classrooms. What has been your experiences?

Posted by Jan Hill

Ok. A decade or 2 ago, I was really into proscribing social change along a clear political agenda that combined Marxist and cultural feminism. In hindsight, I judged others, and maintained that only a few visions of equality, and a few ways to establish equality were 'right'. Today, I have mellowed and focus more on inner awareness and enhanced interpersonal relationships. I attribute this to my great appreciation for post-structuralism, and quite frankly, exhaustion. What do you think? Is individual growth and development a viable means to social change? Or, in focusing on this have I just opted out of social membership and ignored my social responsibilty to others?

Posted by Jan Hill

So here is the question: How many of us have been in groups committed to social change and undoing social injustice, and felt that within the group we are unheard and invisible? What is the personal balance between being heard and listening? How do you know when you have said too much or are pushing your own agenda? Does anyone have any great ideas for forming community membership that doesn't shut anyone done?

Posted by Jan Hill

Hi there, Ok. I started late in life. I didn't start thinking about how to make a living and support myself in my old age until I was well into my 30s. Until then I just went where the next career opportunity lay thinking that the money would take care of itself. The high stats on the impoverishment of older women made me sit up and take notice, and consider how I was going to make sure I was financially secure. It has been a challenge as a single woman - lots of work means less time to date! What has been your experiences with juggling career focuses with family life?

Posted by Jan Hill

SO, what do you think? Is there a generational difference between grrrls (3rd wave feminists) and wimyn (2nd wave feminists)? I have certainly noticed a reluctance of many younger women in my university classes to call themselves feminists. Yet they stand by some of the most basic feminist principles of equality and fairness. What is your experience of this? Any younger feminists out there willing to share their perspective?

Posted by Jan Hill

So, what do you think? Can sexual equality ever exist in the bedroom? Sure, sex is different with different partners, but could this be a gender thing? Could this be related to the feminine ideal of nurturing? Or, the masculine construction of entitlement?

Posted by Jan Hill

Many of us feel quite differently about our life experiences. For some, discrimination feels rampant. For others, discrimination is barely noticable. Research tells us that our experience of gender inequality, and other forms of inequality, is often connected to our social power. Let's hear from you about your perceptions of discrimination. How prevelant is gender discrimination in this 'supposedly post-feminist' world?