Wow, in a blink of an eye, half of term 3 has passed. Personally I feel that through these CDE lessons that I have had over the five weeks, I have learnt a lot about the progress of both American and Chinese societies in terms of gender equality, political apathy and so on. I think that my friends have done a marvelous job in explaining the topics of gender equality, political apathy as well as how 2008 Obama's speech has revolutionized American politics.
Well, basically in China, I understand that it is rather unfair and unequal for the women in China, and it is really difficult for them to fight for equality due to the traditional Confucian male superiority. However, there are significant signs of improvement since the past.
Only 7% of the Chinese workforce in The PRC were women. Compared to now, where men and women have almost equal job opportunities, it is considered a major improvement. Now, women make up the foundation of production-line workers in China's private, export-oriented factories. Moreover, many women take up the job as nurses, teachers and journalists. However, there are still certain boundaries between men and women. Today, very little women have entered the government or positions of high power in the country. Also, they lie about their marital status as they fear the employer's rejection due to heavy commitments for the family.
Many of us may think that the USA is more liberalized than other countries. However, America face the problem of gender equality as well. Yes, there have been many steps taken to overcome the issue of gender equality, but there is still a slight marginalization between men and women. Men outnumber women at a rate of 73% vs. 27% in all sectors of employment for science and engineering as of 2009. No state has ever achieved federal or state judgeship gender equality. Women held only 23% of all federal judgeship and only 27% of state judgeship in the year 2010. Getting pregnant in America could even cost you a job. For many women, a choice between working under unhealthy conditions and not working practically the only choice they have, especially due to the rise in cost of living.
Although all these show that Chinese and American societies have gender equality as a giant obstacle, it is pleasing to see that more and more steps are taken to overcome this powerful force, and I think in the long run there will be a time whereby men and women are totally equal.
Marcus,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about how the CDE lessons had helped us in understanding several topics about progress made in America and China, and I found them very engaging and interesting as well.
I agree with your point that despite the façade of liberty and freedom, American women still suffered unfair treatment in many areas, and exclusive male-dominated sectors such as science and technology still exists. Indeed, both America and China has a long way to go to do justice for the other half of the populace.
However, I would like to point out that your post is a little one-sided. Although you had pointed out the gender stratification in both societies, I think it would be better if you can try to recognise the voices of the independent modern women as well; one example would be Hillary Rodham Clinton, who projected an image of a strong political leader standing up for the rights of females, and in China, more and more educated urban women are campaigning to change the societal perception of females.
Thanks for this informative blog post, and wish you success on your CDE journey!
Lu Wen Hao
4B213
Hi Marcus!
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that our classmates have done well in explaining the progress in both the Chinese and the American society. It had been and enriching experience for me too.
You also argue that gender inequality still exists in both American and Chinese society. That, I agree with you, as many others will. You have also included statistics to support your argument. Well done!
However, I think that your reflective journal had not given much elaboration on the points that were given. For example, for the Chinese society, you merely state that 7% of the Chinese workforce were women (you did not inform the readers about the date, which makes the argument a little unpersuasive).
Also, you did not inform the readers about your reasoning why you feel that there will be a time where men and women are totally equal. As Wen Hao had mentioned, you might want to give some examples of how women in these societies had progressed to further support your argument.
All in all, I think that you have done some research on the topic, and have given us readers some ideas about the gender inequality in both the Chinese and American society. Good job! However, I think that you might want to elaborate more about your points to craft a more persuasive argument. Do keep up the good work!
Commented by: Lin Weihan (12)
Hi Marcus,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your journal entry. However, I would like to address some parts that can be further improved.
1) You wrote in the entry that men and women have “almost equal job opportunities” and that is a “major improvement” from last time. While I agree that there is major improvement, I do not agree that men and women have “almost equal job opportunities”. Your point is contradictory for you proceed to say that “very little women have entered the government or positions of high power in the country” and many women resort to lying about their marital status to safeguard their employment and promotional opportunities. These are significant indicators that there still exists a great disparity in job opportunities between men and women. The lack of women in governmental proceedings further impedes the progress of gender equality because they have less influence in political decisions.
2) You cited the example of “women make(ing) the foundation of production-line workers in China’s private, export oriented factories” to justify the “major improvement” towards “equal job opportunities”. I think such is inappropriate does not justify your point because the very fact that women dominate “low-end” manufacturing jobs like the abovementioned show that many are still discriminated against and denied employment opportunities for better jobs, and thus have to resort to being low-end manufacturing workers to make a living. Also, the repetitive nature of their jobs do not require much engagement of their intellect or knowledge, suggesting that women are still denied education opportunities and are therefore deprived of choices, and can only work as low-end manufacturing workers, which may be attributed parents’ reluctance to provide their daughters education because they did not see it as a worthy investment, since women were traditionally viewed as possessions of their husbands after marriage.
Signing off,
Jiawang.