Question

Sex or gender is a poor criterion for establishing public policy that results in structured inequality. Why is gender a poor criterion for establishing public policy?

Answer 1

Public policies should be formulated by keeping the entire population in mind. These policies are developed to foster equality. However, if the public policies are established on gender criteria, it promotes inequality by distinguishing amongst the public. It may lead to even the violence or chaos and dissatisfaction in a particular gender which is not favored in the policies. Gender perspective generates a partial outlook in terms of health policies, employment, safety and many other genres. Today when the capability of a person is measured in terms of experience and knowledge, the gender should not be a criterion for establishing public policies. Hence if the government aims to foster a healthy atmosphere and good social relations among the citizens the gender bias proves to a poor criterion.

No gender should feel subordinate to other due to the implementation public policies based on gender criterion. The policies should be a system of equality and not inequality. Otherwise, the aim of benefiting the public through policies should not be fulfilled due to loss of social control. A progressive and developed society demands the upliftment of all no matter what the gender is. Thus, the gender is a poor criterion for establishing public policy due to :

• Gender inequality would result in endangering the safety of women by exposing to domestic violence and abuse if the policies encourage and favor the male gender.
• There will be a partiality in health care system.
• Certain specific gender will be at a risk of social exploitation.
• Division of labor and opportunities for education and employment will not be equal.
• The absence or failure to combat discrimination might lead to non-responsive citizens leading to a disbalance in society.