GENDER DIVISIONS IN EARLY 21ST CENTURY BRITAIN
This research examines relevant data to assess the extent of the continue presence of gender divisions in the United Kingdom (UK). This examination considers gender within the context stated by the British Council for the study of gender-related issues. In relation to the term "gender", the British Council (2002 1) stated that:
Gender is a social construction; it concerns the differing qualities culturally attributed to women and men à. The study of gender is, like the study of class or of race, also the study of inequality; we are interested in not only why women do not occupy positions of power, status or responsibility in the same numbers as men, but also the process by which this occurs. Whether we believe that inequality of the sexes is the result of genetic differences, the desire of men to control and dominate women, outdated attitudes and prejudices or historical struggle, it is undoubtedly the case that there is a continuous process of producing and reproducing inequality.
Statistical Evidence of Gender-Based Divisions in British Society in the Early 21st Century
The Equal Opportunity commission (EOC) published the results of an exhaustive survey of gender divisions in Great Britain in 2002. The data in the published report reflect the status of gender-related differences as of 2001 (Equal Opportunity Commission 1-14). The data cover (1) education and training (2) employment, (3) equal pay, (4) public and political life, and (5) work/life balance. The data are presented in reports covering Great Britain as a whole, as well as in separate reports dealing with Scotland and Wales. In addition to the higher level reports, more detailed reports present data related to issues such as sexual stereotyping, pensions, and selected occupations.
When considering statistical data related to gender divisions in British society, one should bear in mind relevant population p...