Gender Equality

Gender equality occurs when individuals are treated equally, have equal access to goods and services, and have equal status and power. While gender equality is a goal that many strive for, inequality has been more common historically and globally. Indicators of individual quality of life and socioeconomic status collected in nations around the world generally find that those for female gender are notably disadvantaged compared with those for male gender. In the past decades, social scientists have collected data on the inequalities women face at home, in the workplace, and in their personal relationships. In addition, researchers have conducted studies to better understand the genesis of gender difference and the societal forces that result in gender inequality across various domains. This entry reviews the major ...