Gender equality remains a major societal problem in our society today. Different sectors like healthcare, media, workforce patterns, family structures and religious institutions are subjected to these inequalities. Conflict theory is one of the most significant sociological perspectives, stating that the competitive drive of society towards limited resources is the primary driver for all conflicts. Applying the model of conflict theory to a case of gender inequality helps us to understand the main idea of power struggles, exploitation and perpetuation of dominant ideologies that exist and keep genders different.
The working conditions for the job are the epicentre of the outstanding gender discrimination, which is exhibited through pay disparities and occupational segregation, as well as limited chances for career advancement. Conflict theory allows for an in-depth experience of how these things occur by pointing to the struggles and power disparities in the working class (Lindsey, 2020, p 5). Employers, who mainly belong to the more powerful group, usually have the convenience of controlling essential means such as salaries, promotions, and the decision-making process. Such power disparity results in the continuation of unequal treatment between the genders, with women who are under-appreciated and deprived of a chance as males are.
Institutionalized sexism through occupational segregation continues to push women to marginal jobs that are not only relatively less rewarding but also undervalued. At the same time, the men populate the lucrative fields and upper management levels. According to the power-oriented conflict model, this is a consequence of social class relations where the ruling group prevents access to specific jobs for the female population. Aside from that, gender norms and stereotypes that are being practised further support occupational segregation and most of the time, societal expectations dictate the traditional roles of women, which in turn discourage them from joining male-dominated careers.
Media is an essential tool used widely for manipulating public opinions and is also one of the most significant factors that increase the gender disparity in society. Conflict theory helps define power’s role in media representation as powerful groups control media production, distribution, and representation. Quite often, media representations, by reifying stereotypes, sexualizing women, and dismissing their voices, deepen gender divisions.
The picturing of women in the submissive status and the portraying of their bodies as mere objects reflect the men’s dominance and the maintenance of the existing order. According to the conflict theory, the most common media channels are in the hands of privileged groups, and their structures survive through the repetition of stereotypes that uphold their interests and reinforce the existing social order. Along with this, one of the reasons that gender inequality in media is still an issue is that women are under-represented in the media leadership, which, therefore, reinforces the dominant stories and gives less space to other perspectives.
The manifestation of gender inequity in the sphere of medical practice is represented by the inequality in accessing services, healthcare quality, and treatment success. Conflict theory may shed light on how these power dynamics support or produce gender-based disparities in healthcare, as it points out the institutionalization of discrimination and unequal resource allocation as the main driving force behind gender inequalities in healthcare (Kalindi et al., 2023, p 6). Women, especially those from the less fortunate class, often face the obstacles of healthcare services because of issues such as lack of financing, isolation and social prejudice.
Conclusion
Conflict theory is an inclusive theory that explains the paradox of gender inequality in the structure of society as a whole. Through spotlighting power struggles, exploitation, and the continuous perpetuation of dominant ideology, this perspective explains the systemic nature of gender disparities and gives reasons for addressing underlying power inequalities. Arguably, in every sphere of society, be it the workforce, media, health care, etc., gender inequality continues to pervade because power and resource distribution are unequal. Recognizing these factors is the main requirement to move towards gender equality and build a more inclusive and equitable community.
References
Kalindi, A., Houle, B., Smyth, B., & Vesper Hichilombwe Chisumpa. (2023). Gender inequities in women’s access to maternal health care utilization in Zambia: a qualitative analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-06078-3
Lindsey, L. L. (2020). Gender. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315102023
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