Why Gender Inequality Is Ethically Problematic And Gender Equality Ethically Desirable (Case Study Sample)

PhilosophyName:Institutional Affiliation:Date:
Why gender inequality is ethically problematic and gender equality ethically desirable
Gender inequality and gender equality have been the subject of intense discussion and debate for decades. Many schools of thought have been brought into play by various stakeholders to make their cases. However, discussing these two concepts using an ethical lens makes the discussion most interesting. Among many consequences of this course of action is the agreement by majority of the people involved that gender inequality is ethically problematic while gender equality is desirable.
Gender inequality is problematic because of many issues associated with the oppression of one gender or the other. However, looking at the discussion from the perspectives of ethical theories and the articles given, we find that the hypothetical standpoint holds water. One ethical theory that supports this premise is that John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism Theory. This theory holds that mankind is supposed to act in a manner that provides all stakeholders with the most benefit. Therefore, an ethical existence at the workplace should benefit all stakeholders regardless of gender. Looking at this presumption using from the perspective of the articles provided we find that Singaporean women make less money yet they are taking up more responsibility at home in terms of financial responsibility (Liang-Lin, 2015). Applying the theoretical framework, we find that such status quo does not offer the maximum benefit, thus introducing problems such as poor households even as both spouses remain employed. Consequently, gender inequality is problematic since it does not offer all of mankind with the greatest benefit necessary for good quality of life.
On the other hand, gender equality is desirable because not only is oppression of any person based on their gender retrogressive it is also injurious to both person and society. Considering the desirability of gender equality from the perspective of Emanuel Kant’s Deontological theory, we find that the practice makes a lot of sense especially since it might offer society with more beneficial existence. Deontological ethical theories operate on the premise that one should subscribe to, and operate within an ethical existence and set of maxims with which they would desire to be treated. Therefore, one should treat other people in a manner that is similar to how they would desire to be treated. Because no one would desire to be discriminated against in a gender-based manner, gender equality becomes a desirable compromise.
Considering the issues of gender inequality and gender equality from ethical perspectives, we find numerous examples of each issue in the articles provided. The problems of gender inequality a demonstrated by unequal employment in Singapore, employment statistics, and likelihood to be employed as domestic helpers could be discussed using Utilitarianism theory and the need for maximum benefits (Liang-Lin, 2015). On the other hand, gender equality is a desirable prospect not only because of the maximum benefits accrued, but also because an ethical existence dictates so. Deontological theory dictates that mankind should subscribe to maxims similar to which they would like to be treated. Because nobody would like to be discriminated at work, gender equality prevents such unfairness.
Using Deontology to identify the most ethically problematic gender gap issue among all five gender inequalities
From the list of five gender gap issues discussed in Liang-Lin’s article “Five Gender Gaps Singapore Women Still Face in 2015”, the third one on touching on representation at senior management levels has the biggest ethical impact (Liang-Lin, 2015). Looking at these gender gap issues using the Deontological ethical theories developed by Emmanuel Kant, some problems associated with maxim arise. Deontological theories in ethical existence dictate that the ethics with which a person would like directed upon them are the same they should adopt. Therefore, biased representation at senior management levels is one o the most unethical practices that affects women since everyone wishes to be appraised equally. Additionally, this gender gap issue presents more ethical problems since it misrepresents women as unequal and non-befitting of these positions.
The majority of gender bias proponents agree that suppression of the development of women in terms of corporate growth opportunities erodes their ability to offer an enabling environment to their counterparts. Unfortunately, while there are many other gender gap problems, the one which prevents women from acquiring the ability to assist themselves and others in need leads to the biggest problems. In essence, preventing women from scaling the corporate ladder or getting other forms of power affects their ability to fight gender inequality.
Compared to the first gender gap issue touching on unequal pay, gender bias in management scores more points in terms of unethical behavior. This means that poor pay based on gender does not elicit as much of an issue among women as being denied the opportunity in senior posts. Such gender bias leads to obvious problems that can be analyzed using ethical theories. The Deontological theory dictates that people treat others according to a standard or maxim which they are comfortable if applied on them. Obviously, nobody desires to have better earning ability taken away from meaning that unequal representation in senior management positions has bigger problems than unequal pay. Majority of women would argue that being denied the opportunity to acquire better opportunities in higher positions is worse than being paid poorly at their current levels of employment.
Comparing unequal representation in top management position among women with disparities in percentage of employment elicits the same feelings. The same exercise gives a similar result when looked at from the perspective of Deontological ethical theory. Deontological theory dictates that people act and treat others in manner they would desire to be treated. Therefore, women feel worse when they are limited in terms of senior management positions since that presents more opportunity compared to the number of women employed. In fact, enabling more women to operate from such endowed positions could remedy the problem of unequal numbers in terms of employment. Therefore, comparing unequal percentage figures with unequal representation in top management using the lens of Deontological theory again leads to more ethical scores for the later.
The articles associated with this paper stated that Singaporean women suffer from gender bias requiring them to have domestic helpers i...