Gender Inequality and Discrimination

Gender inequality can be defined as allowing or restricting people different opportunities due to perceived differences based solely on issues of gender. Gender discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of an individual or group based on gender. Gender inequality and discrimination are generally discussed as pertaining to women, but anyone can experience gender-based inequality or discrimination.

For these definitions to have meaning, we must first define gender. The terms gender and sex are sometimes used interchangeably, but social scientists and medical personnel are beginning to recognize them as different. Sex refers to one’s biological identity as defined by physical and/or chromosomal makeup. Generally, people are categorized as either male or female depending on their chromosomes and/or genitalia, but intersex terminology is becoming more socially acceptable. [Page 1553]Gender ...