In this event, expert and best-selling author Linda Scott, along with academic and political leaders, discuss the unequal division of parenthood's burden and how it fuels women's exclusion from economic participation. They delve into topics such as the impact of motherhood on the economy, historical patterns of women's rights, rise of the religious right in the US, holding governments accountable for gender inequality, resistance towards policy implementation in Denmark, Eleanor Rathbone's advocacy for social security, and the need for a 'double X economy' prioritizing gender equality and sustainability.
The unequal division of the burden of parenthood contributes to women's systematic exclusion from economic participation.
There is a failure in rights enforcement that negatively affects women's ability to address issues such as paid leave for childcare and holiday.
Resistance to gender equality is influenced by both individual beliefs and structural factors, and understanding the sources of resistance is crucial for creating effective policies.
Deep dives
Child Penalty in the UK
In the UK, the average child penalty in employment is 34%, meaning that women's employment falls 34% more than men's employment after having a first child. This is a concerning issue as it highlights the impact of gender inequality on women's economic participation.
Lack of Rights Enforcement in the UK
The UK faces a significant challenge in terms of rights enforcement, which extends to women's rights in the workplace. The current employment tribunal system is not effectively upholding rights, with high barriers to entry and limited cost-effective mechanisms for enforcing rights. This failure in rights enforcement adversely affects women's ability to address issues such as paid leave for childcare and holiday, hindering their economic well-being.
Structural Factors Influencing Resistance to Gender Equality
Resistance to gender equality is not solely driven by individual beliefs or attitudes; it is also influenced by structural factors. The interconnections between the economy and politics play a significant role in shaping people's perceptions and resistance to progress. Understanding the sources of resistance and organizing efforts to ensure broader acceptance of progress is crucial.
Understanding the Nature of Resistance for Effective Policy Design
To create effective policies that address resistance to gender equality, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of resistance. This includes exploring factors like information gaps and experiences that shape people's attitudes towards gender norms and policies. By understanding the nature of resistance, policymakers can design interventions that challenge existing beliefs and promote gender equality.
Importance of Women's Involvement in Power
The podcast emphasizes the significance of women having their hands on the levers of power as a crucial aspect of democracy. It highlights the need for a cultural shift and questions whether politicians are the best advocates for such change. The aim is to create a culture where more people speak up for gender equality, and this can be achieved by providing people with a good quality of life and enforcing rights.
Resistance to Gender Equality and Change in Social Norms
The podcast acknowledges the existence of resistance to gender equality and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing it. It discusses how social attitudes, including gender attitudes, are deeply rooted in certain beliefs about comparative advantage. Overcoming resistance requires convincing people that the current situation is a problem and that gender inequality does not align with efficiency or fairness. The podcast suggests that changing social norms requires policies that promote gender equality, such as affordable childcare and flexible job opportunities.
Contributor(s): Alison McGovern MP, Professor Henrik J Kleven, Professor Linda Scott | In this event, expert and best-selling author Linda Scott, in a conversation with academic and political leaders, discusses how the unequal division of the burden of parenthood fuels women’s systematic exclusion from economic participation.
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