Soc 510: Global Social Problems And Sociological Theo 876573

Soc 510 Global Social Problems And Sociological Theory Worksheetgloba

Describe the chosen global social problem (50-75 words):

Explain a sociological theory (dependency theory, Marx's conflict theory, modernization theory) and how that theory would explain the global social problem. (words)

Three nations where this social problem exists:

How does the problem contribute to inequality in the first nation? (words)

How does the problem contribute to inequality in the second nation? (words)

How does the problem contribute to inequality in the third nation? (words)

Identify and discuss any current global strategies being implemented that attempt to address the social problem and analyze their effectiveness. (words)

Paper For Above instruction

The chosen global social problem for this analysis is the gender wage gap, a persistent issue where women across the world earn less than men for similar work, leading to economic inequality and social disparities. This problem manifests in multiple countries and is rooted in complex sociological, cultural, and economic factors. Understanding its implications across different national contexts is critical for developing effective interventions.

To conceptualize this issue within a sociological framework, Marx's conflict theory offers a robust explanation. According to conflict theory, society is characterized by power struggles between different social classes, where the dominant class maintains its privilege by exploiting subordinate groups. Applying this to the gender wage gap, women often occupy a subordinate economic position, systematically earning less due to entrenched patriarchal structures, discriminatory practices, and unequal access to resources. The theory posits that gender-based economic disparities are a reflection of broader societal conflicts over power and resources, perpetuated by institutional biases and cultural norms that sustain gender inequality.

Three nations where the gender wage gap is prominently observed include the United States, India, and Sweden. Despite varying cultural and economic backgrounds, all three countries face challenges related to gender-based wage disparities. In the United States, women earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, with significant disparities across racial and ethnic groups. India exhibits a substantial gender wage gap influenced by traditional gender roles, lower female labor participation, and formal sector biases. Sweden, known for its progressive gender policies, still experiences wage disparities, although they are comparatively smaller, highlighting that no country is immune to this issue.

In the United States, the gender wage gap exacerbates economic inequality by limiting women's financial independence and access to resources. This disparity disproportionately affects women of color and those in lower-income brackets, restricting their opportunities for wealth accumulation, savings, and upward mobility. The gap perpetuates cycles of poverty and impairs social mobility, reinforcing systemic inequalities based on gender and race.

In India, the gender wage gap reflects and reinforces social stratification and economic disparities rooted in caste, ethnicity, and geographic location. Unpaid domestic work and lower participation in formal employment mean women often have limited bargaining power and access to higher-paying jobs. This perpetuates gender-based economic inequality, sustains poverty cycles among marginalized groups, and limits women's empowerment and societal participation, thus deepening existing social hierarchies.

In Sweden, although policies promote gender equality, wage disparities persist due to structural issues, occupational segregation, and social norms. The inequality contributes to the narrowing but ongoing economic disparities between men and women, affecting family dynamics, career progression, and economic independence. Addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving comprehensive gender equality and social cohesion.

Various global strategies aim to address the gender wage gap, including international agreements such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with Goal 5 specifically targeting gender equality. Countries have implemented policies like gender quotas, transparency in pay, and family-friendly workplace policies. For instance, Iceland has made strides through strict pay transparency laws, resulting in reduced wage disparities. However, the effectiveness of these strategies varies; while some countries exhibit progress, systemic issues demand ongoing commitment and multidimensional approaches. Challenges include cultural resistance, enforcement inconsistencies, and deep-seated societal norms that cannot be eradicated solely through policy changes.

Overall, addressing the gender wage gap requires coordinated international efforts, cultural shifts, and policy enforcement. Success stories from Scandinavian countries demonstrate that comprehensive, well-implemented policies can significantly reduce disparities. However, sustained commitment and continuous monitoring are critical for achieving equity on a global scale, ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible regardless of gender.

References

• Brennan, D. (2009). Gender and Development: Theories and Practices. Routledge.
• Cook, D. T. (2019). The Gender Wage Gap: Causes, Consequences, and Remedies. American Economic Review, 109(5), 201-204.
• Elson, D. (2010). Human Rights and Gender Equality: The Role of International Law. International Journal of Human Rights, 14(4), 482-503.
• Kabeer, N. (2012). Conflict over Development: Reconsidering the Gendered Millennium Development Goals. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 13(2), 171-184.
• OECD. (2020). Women’s Economic Empowerment: The Gender Wage Gap. OECD Publishing.
• United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. UN Reports.
• World Economic Forum. (2022). Global Gender Gap Report 2022. WEF.
• Williams, C. L. (2011). Still Failing: Gender Inequality in the 21st Century. Routledge.
• Wajcman, J. (2018). The Social shaping of Work and Gender Inequality. Sociological Review, 66(3), 529-542.
• World Bank. (2021). Gender Discrimination and Economic Development. World Bank Reports.