Page 97 - Vimarsha Volume 2

Asian, African & Middle East countries because of their cultural beliefs. United Arab
Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Oman, Egypt are some of them. In those

countries more negatives circumstances are created against with female party. But it
does not mean that there is no gender discrimination in Western countries. The main
purpose of this review-based article is to address, how cultural norms are impacted

on gender discrimination. Therefore, this article focuses on these main criteria
namely, what gender discrimination is, what are cultural norms and how cultural

norms influence on gender discrimination.

2. What is Gender Discrimination?

When consider about gender discrimination the term ‘gender’ and ‘sex’ are

important. Historically, the term ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ have been used interchangeably,
but their uses are becoming increasingly distinct, and it is important to understand
the differences between the two. In general terms ‘sex’ refers to the biological

differences between males and females such as genetic differences. ‘Gender’ is more
difficult to define. But it can refer to the role of the male or female in society, known
as a gender role. Gender role can be defined as the behaviors, values, and attitudes

that a society considers appropriate for both male and female. Sometimes person’s
genetically assigned sex does not line up with their gender identity. These individuals
might refer to themselves as transgender, non-binary or gender-nonconforming.

Though females have been more severally restricted than men by traditional gender
roles, those roles have also restricted by male. These inequalities affect many aspects

of women’s lives, starting with sex-selective abortions and male preferences,
education and schooling, which goes on to effect job opportunities, property rights,
access to health and political participation. As mentioned before gender is a socially

constructed phenomenon. Gender discrimination can be any action that specifically
denies opportunities or rewards to a person or a group because of their gender. In
simple terms Gender Discrimination is the type of discrimination which is based on

the gender of the person. Usually women are treated differently and unequal than
men in their education, career, economic advancement and political influences.

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