Social Sciences Assignment: Role of Men in Gender Equality (Essay Sample)

The Role of Men in Promoting Gender Equality
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Date
THE ROLE OF MEN IN PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY
Introduction
In many circumstances, it has been assumed that gender equality is a responsibility of the women (Ruxton & Oxfam 2004). This is mainly due to the vast spread of the patriarchal system of society in most cultures. Overtime, women have raised concerns as a result of the pressures imposed on them by patriarchy. In this regard, women have been the initiators of gender equality conversations in most platforms. For instance, Feminism as a school of thought emerged due to the concerns that were raised by activist women (Haddad 2004). However, this trend changed over time, and gender equality gradually became a concern of men. In the past decade, there has been a need for men to participate in the strife towards gender equality in society (United Nations 2006). Therefore, men have a role in promoting gender equality.
A significant number of men are in positions of leadership in their societies (Ruxton & Oxfam 2004). This gives them an opportunity to influence legislations and policies regarding certain issues within their area of jurisdiction. In this case, men have a major role in initiating and advocating for legislations and policies that address gender inequality in society (Haddad 2004). Through the legalization of such ideologies, a sense of equality is attainable as it becomes a requirement by the state. As such voices in legal platforms advocate for gender equality, violators of the recommended code of conduct can be penalized through a state’s penal system (United Nations 2006). Apparently, men who are in positions of political influence have a role in formulating legislations and policies that reinstate gender equality.
Men have a crucial role of maintaining gender equality through the nature of the social relationships they engage into (United Nations 2006). In the general societies, men act as either fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and friends. Through these relationships, men have different impacts on the individuals who have immediate interactions with them (Ruxton & Oxfam 2004). This impact is mostly realized through the value system that the men uphold. Focusing on the women that directly interact with these men, their self-image and social identity are determined by the values that the men uphold. In this case, men have a responsibility of holding pro-social values that positively impact on the women around them (Haddad 2004). In their social relationships, men should continually uphold values that appreciate equal chances amongst them and the women in society.
Conclusion
Developing positive messages is a paramount role that men have in promoting gender equality. According to Ruxton & Oxfam (2004), “men have constant interactions with fellow men who have negative perceptions regarding gender equality.” Some of these men strongly believe in gender-based violence and abuse of the opposite gender. In such scenarios, men h...