Gender Inequality

Gender Inequality

PHI 208

Thesis Statement:

The ethics theories will explain the answers to gender inequality and explore the questions that will help in eliminating such problems that exist in the society.

Introduction:

An increasing occurrence that has been in the spotlight for quite some time now, Gender Inequality continues to be an obstacle for some and toleration for others in our society at the moment. Like even in America, there are sections that endure the disadvantages of applying laws that will embrace and encourage gender equality. This paper will talk about the effectuation of a few theories of ethics and will allow us to accentuate the dilemma and talk about it in detail. The fact that there are less people who are willing to work towards the principle is what makes this question important.

Today, considering we have been made aware of and have the knowledge and the ability to bring forth change, regardless if it is possible by applying theories of ethics or expressing our viewpoint, we should certainly move forward. In consistency with the theory of Utilitarianism, the theories of ethics, Deontology and Rights will also be merged into this paper so that a perceptual ending can be achieved.

Application of Deontology:

The theory of Deontology states that the ethics of an action should be judged by duties or rules. In other words, this means that in day to day circumstances people should obey rules and regulations to be able to perform their duties. [Catherine Rainbow (2015)] I feel that gender equality relates to deontological ethics because every person has a duty and obligation to look at and act toward everyone equally regardless of any ramifications. The theory of deontological should be built totally by considering ones duties and the rights of other people.

According to Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher, the Deontology theory consists of three prime features which include Duty, The Categorical Imperative and Respect. First, Kant voices that it is drastically crucial for people to act from duty if they want to act right or in a moral way. Another theory that Kant voices is the categorical imperative, meaning people who consider something is right for them should be right for others also. For example, if someone cheats on an exam for personal gain. The person that is actually doing the cheating should have some sort of feeling about the other people taking the exam but can’t because he’s only thinking about himself getting an A. This also puts pressure on the principles of respect because no one should ever use any measures for personal gain. Regardless of who it is, it should be conducted with modesty and understanding (Misselbrook, 2013).

While having in mind the above factors and expressing the source of the problem with gender inequality, the deontology theory connects this theory in many ways. First, the moral obligation of man, which is the father, brother, uncle, husband, or friend should be the one that takes care of the woman whom he is with. Having a blood relationship is not necessary for the man, because it is only right for the man to deem that it is his duty to protect any woman who he believes is being treated unfairly. This meets the first component of deontology theory. Furthermore, a man should remain honorable and treat the women he is attached to equally. He is intended to obtain an ideal equilibrium between his mother, wife, and daughter, in order for his son to learn and pass on the heritage. In opposition to this, if a man is abusive to his wife but expects is daughter to be treated fairly by his son in-law this will not be complying with the rules of the categorical imperative.

Finally, and most significantly, the aspect of Respect expresses that it is imperative for people to be kind and respectful towards each other. Comparably, the mother, wife, daughter, and other females that the man is attached to, it is his duty to respect and care for them. He is always to treat them respectfully, lovingly, caringly, and humbly, never looking down on them.

Obeying the moral rules from time to time is not sufficient; as a replacement, it is essential that our forethoughts and reasons are correct also. This means that it is not inevitable that the person who is performing the duty is right almost certainly because it is consequential that there is a well formed meaning connected with it also. If the duty is integrated with the right meaning it will make it a moral duty.

Application of The ethics of Rights:

In this theory, the fundamental notion that is put in front is that in any nation everyone’s rights should be safeguarded and respected, and should be given precedence. There are rights that are both favorable and opposing; these can be considered as lawful or innate. The lawful rights are artificial while the innate ones are those that are widespread.

Lawful rights are those that are given to us by the state constitution or by the Government. The right to live freely, the right to practice religion, and gender inequality, are included in these rights, which are artificial and placed throughout the constitution.

Innate rights furthermore are built on teachings like idea, opinion and ethics. These rights are inevitably a natural part of a human being. One of the rights mentioned include “The right to marry”, it is accurate to say that people should have the right to marry whoever they wish to marry. It should be up to the man and woman to decide whether they like each other enough to marry. [Prof. Charles D. Kay (2015)]

In Asia, this is a serious matter and has been for many years now. Astonishingly, in certain countries, the girls are never asked if they want to get married by their parents, basically their just given away. Even more appalling is the fact that the men are more than twice or three times the age of these young girls. In order for the rights theory to be beneficial, it is crucial that we as a nation become proficient to stand up for what appears to be wrong, we should be able to express how we feel and we should make our viewpoints matter so that the negligence in our financial system can be eliminated.

Comparably, it is crucial for us to do justice in one of the most significant characteristics of our nation that is in strains these days, Gender Inequality. Even if the fairness of gender is stated in the constitution, it is still being influenced at not just homes but at workplaces as well.

Due to the existing gender inequality in Asia, other than the abuse that recently married women have to endure, sexual abuse at workplaces is also very common. If the women are seeking a better position in a large company the managers are caught asking them to trade sex in order to obtain a better position. Consequently, influencing them, breaking them and not giving them equal rights. Regretfully, in order to provide for the family, the women that are financially disabled have to surrender and assume the responsibility that they are not equal to men and have to commit undesirable acts.

Supposedly, being able to stand up for yourself is the right of every girl and woman, and having the belief that they are as equal and stable as a man. Our governments and financial system should be held accountable for entirely ending such unethical acts and applying the theory of rights.

Evaluation:

In comparison to the two theories, Deontology and Right Ethics considerately, in my opinion, the theory of Rights is a more effective dispute with regard to our subject matter, Gender Inequality. The reasoning along these lines are, the theory of Deontology only discusses the duties performed and does put a lot of stress on the essential meanings. For example, if someone is really happy about their friend getting married and is helping them do all the shopping, but at the same time they are gossiping about them to other friends, that is wrong. This means even though they are performing the required duty they are still exhibiting bad intentions.

The Deontology theory is a bit defected because it only takes into consideration the strict duties being performed and not paying any attention to the unethical motives behind it. On the contrary, the Rights ethics seems to be a better option because they not only talk about freedom of expression and freedom of independence, they also take into consideration gender equality. [J.P. Moreland (2015)]

The Rights theory also discusses the entitlement of women and the power they have in the business part. The Rights theory can give a large amount of women the opportunity to break out of their restrictions and live their life failry and equally.

Objection:

In my opinion, one of the disagreements of this theory would be that, women that already have financial power can influence the reality of this theory and fix it so it can be used in a negative way. For example, if a woman’s boyfriend appeared in her life all of a sudden and she wants to unlawfully divorce her husband, this would be considered the negative part of the theory, which can be portrayed as something else because she can say that her husband is abusing her and committing adultery. The theory of rights could be used in order for her to get out of the marriage.

Defense of the Objection:

It is realistic to believe that such cases, the one that was mentioned above would hardly happen, however because of the realization it is certain to intensify. Attorneys should be aware if they are ever faced with this issue. If a woman is unfairly requiring to be freed on the basis of the rights theory, she can be easily caught. The appropriate managing of this theory can cause the attorneys to be intelligent while presenting the case.

Conclusion:

This paper’s goal is to find the best way to solve the issues regarding gender inequality with the use of some significant theories of ethics that include Deontology and Rights. Nothing is accurate but throughout the research process some resolutions can be reached. This paper explains the theories in detail, their good and bad viewpoints and how each connects to the problem imminently.

It is accurate, nevertheless that if these theories are only retained on paper, it will be ineffective because people will keep reading the papers and not try to apply them. For the theories to become successful, it is immensely essential that the research should be taken out of the paper and implemented.

The paper also talks about how the rights theory is analogously preferable as collated to the deontology theory yet both of them have their pros and cons. The viewpoints on this topic have also been shared by the views of Kant.

Lastly, the entitlement of women and gender equality are topics that really need some emphasizing on these days. In order for this inequality that is happening to be completely fixed someone needs to step outside the box and remove the hindrance.

References:

[Catherine Rainbow (2015)] Description of ethical theories and principles [WEB] retrieved from:

http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/kabernd/indep/carainbow/theories.htm

[David Misselbrook (2013)] Duty, Kant and Deontology [WEB] retrieved from:

http://bjgp.org/content/63/609/211

[Professor Charles D. Kay (1997)] Notes on Utilitarianism [WEB] retrieved from:

Utilitarianism

[J.P. Moreland (2015)] Ethical Theories: Utilitarianism Vs. Deontological ethics [WEB] retrieved from:

Ethics Theories: Utilitarianism Vs. Deontological Ethics