Kelly Ravenscraft 252

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Article #1

 

Globalization has the potential to contribute to greater gender equality. However, in the absence of public policy, globalization 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. Public action is needed to close gender gaps in endowments, agency, and access to economic opportunities. Only then will countries be able to capitalize on the potential of globalization as a force for greater gender equality. I was struck most greatly by Davids' idea of the unhappy marriage between gender and globalization. Before this class, I knew that there was some aspect of gender to globalization, but I had no idea how deeply engrained male dominance had become globally and how this patriarchal system of dominance had become so engrained in the system of colonization. I had a lot of "book" knowledge of global inequalities prior to this class, but not a face or a name for these disparities. Throughout my four years at Loyola, especially driven by this class, my hope is to make a difference in gender equality. While it is too lofty of a goal to try and change it on the global scale myself, my hope is to make change within my own social circles, and hopefully encourage a ripple effect for others to do the same. While I know now that in order to actually make long-lasting change we more or less need a revolution, my hope is to start this kind of social change on a smaller scale, and additionally become involved with larger movements. Growing up, I was never exposed to protests or the power of speaking up publicly for one's beliefs, and often I didn't know what to think about these events. But, as I have become more aware of my gender and the inequalities that I face as a woman and have become involved with domestic and global protests, I have seen the power of many voices speaking up on behalf of equality.

Author: Kelly Ravenscraft
Last modified: 12/11/2017 5:48 PM (EDT)