The text addresses the enduring power disparities between men and women in society. While there are some documented cases of women committing domestic violence against men, it is predominantly men who carry out such actions. In the past, husbands were authorized by law to inflict physical harm on their wives due to their assumed authority over their households. Additionally, men were regarded as the primary breadwinners, with their roles considered more important than those of wives and mothers.
Despite advancements in women's rights, the belief persists that men still possess significant power, even though women are now employed. According to the Equal Opportunity Commission, men continue to earn higher salaries than women and often maintain full-time employment even after becoming parents. In contrast, many women opt for part-time work or leave their jobs altogether. Consequently, men have more control over finances and decision-ma
...king, thereby exerting greater power.
Although it may not directly cause domestic violence, it is significant to acknowledge that 50% of women have encountered violence or stalking. Younger women are more susceptible to these incidents than older women. The prevalence of men in sectors such as media, sport, and politics contributes to a dominant mindset. Sociologist McRobbie states that our perception of the world is largely shaped by a "male gaze" ideology, which regards women as secondary objects and devalues them in comparison to men.
Marxist feminists assert that capitalism will sustain a substantial disparity between males and females within society. Nevertheless, advancements have occurred in specific domains where women have attained parity, particularly in education. Presently, both girls and boys pursue identical educational programs, with girls outperforming boys academically. However, gender-based preferences persist i
post-16 education, as more male students select science and math while more female students opt for art subjects. Furthermore, legislation concerning women's professional pursuits has progressed through measures such as the Equal Pay and Sex Discrimination Acts.
Recently, there has been a rise in the appreciation and respect for women, leading to a more positive self-perception. Women now aspire to have successful careers and receive fair compensation. The notion of patriarchy is widely acknowledged, with men generally having more authority than women in various aspects of society. Feminists provide substantial evidence that shows male domination starting from childhood through socializing children into specific gender roles. Boys are encouraged to be outgoing, independent, and suppress their emotions, whereas girls are encouraged to play with dolls, help with household chores, and stay close to home. In relationships, men often perceive women as being subordinate.
Men often avoid taking responsibility for domestic violence because courts and police may not view it as a serious crime. This perception discourages many women from reporting incidents. Although there are regions where men exert more control over women, progress towards greater equality is being made in other areas. Furthermore, some women find fulfillment in their roles as wives and mothers. In certain households, both partners work full-time, adopting a more egalitarian approach.
Bibliography: AS level sociology AQA
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