The Good Fight Alice Evans on Why Equality Fails
Dec 14, 2024
Alice Evans, a senior lecturer in international development at King's College London and author of "The Great Gender Divergence," dives into the complexities of gender equality. She discusses why equality varies across countries, influenced by cultural and religious norms. Their conversation touches on the societal impacts of declining fertility rates, advocating for gender improvements amidst potential backlash, and the dynamic interplay between economic development and women's rights. Evans emphasizes storytelling's role in fostering empathy and understanding in diverse cultural contexts.
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Gender Equality Divergence
- Societies exhibit varying levels of gender equality, some with high female employment and leadership, others with significant oppression.
- This "great gender divergence" mirrors economic disparities, prompting questions about its root causes.
Interplay of Economics, Politics, and Culture
- Economics, politics, and culture intersect to shape gender equality, with technological change driving demand for skilled labor.
- Cultural norms, like male honor tied to female seclusion, can hinder female employment even with economic growth.
Mumbai Job Offer Study
- A study offered $300 monthly to women in Mumbai slums for female-friendly jobs, but only 20% accepted.
- Husbands often refused, prioritizing their breadwinner status and female domesticity over increased income.