Gender and Sexuality Studies

Globalization refers to the increasingly global relationships of culture, people and economic activity. Globalization impacts female equality on a large and international scale, both negatively and positively. With continuous changes in international relations, the perception of feminism in Western and Non-western societies is frequently revised. It is important to be wary of Western bias in sociological accounts of global feminism, as Modern Western society is not always due credit for feminist reform in other cultures and countries. Feminist sentiments or a push for gender equality emerge as a result of the nation-specific circumstances, not according to the exported beliefs of Western society. Advances in female equality and status are often not the result of national groups or corporations, but of individuals and small groups.

One of the results of globalization is the increased use of female factory workers in non-western countries. In Mexico, the female worker is ideal because she is seen as docile and inexpensive labour. Stereotypical feminine traits such as beauty, domesticity, and docility are exaggerated and exploited for the production of goods. These gender traits then frame the behaviour of the women beyond the occupational realm. Despite increasing feminism, the lack of economic and social mobility prevents women in many nations from having equal status in society. One of the solutions to erasing gender inequalities globally, is to provide resources and funds to impoverished women who will in turn use them for education as well as business ventures. The global economy could benefit drastically from incorporating educated women into the workforce. Not only would the global economy benefit from these shifts; however, women would be able to partake in society and be involved as they please.

Globalisation has the potential to contribute to greater gender equality. However, in the absence of public policy, globalisation alone cannot end gender inequality. Despite significant increases in agency and in access to economic opportunities for many women in many countries, large gender gaps remain in some areas. Feminist political philosophers argue that globalization has had contradictory effects on the extent to which women experience human rights violations. Many feminists’ political philosophers have argued that globalization has contributed to human rights violations against women.