Sexism

In today's society, women are often exploited for their gender. This is called sexism, the ideology that one sex is superior to the other. (Schaefer) Almost all of the major istitutions of our society, the government, the armed forces, large corporations, the media, universities, and medical establishments, are controlled by men. (Schaefer)This makes it difficult for women to rise above sexism and develop a major role in today's society.

In the work place, women can hit a "glass ceiling" in which they can no longer advance in the work place. Often, men receive the promotions, bonuses, and recognition that women should get. Because their boss may be sexist and he or she is acts upon it, they do not give the promotions to their female employees. The women in these situations are usually overlooked because in the company or organization they work for, it is not socially except able to let a women climb higher on the business/work ladder.

Recently it was calculated that women make seventy-seven cents to the one dollar and man makes. Not only are women kept from moving up in their work place, but they also make less money than males do. It is usually difficult for a single mom to raise her children because she has to account for that she makes less money than she should.

Women almost always work in occupations with lower status and pay than men.(Schaefer) Women usually work as teachers of small children, nurses, dental hygienist, and beauticians. And men are usually known for working as physicians, lawyers, dentists, and CEO of major companies. Though some women do work these jobs, they are often exploited into working the less paying jobs.

Today, many women face the challenge of trying to juggle work and family. Once the are done with their job at work, they come home to their second shift; the family. The second shift is defined as the double burden, work outside the home followed by child care and homework that many women face and few men share equitably. (Schaefer) For single mothers, this is even harder. They have to work by themselves to make a living to support themselves and their children, and then once they return from work they have to run errands, pick up the kids, make dinner, and do homework.

Though it is hard for women to overcome the burden of sexism, many women do. More women are becoming physicians, lawyers, and serving in the government. It is more except able today for women to go to college and receive a degree. Women are not just house wives anymore, they are respectable part of society. Women are even getting a break on child care. Many companies are now allowing men to receive a paternity leave so that they can care for their child. Everyday, women grow in society, and one day their will no longer be an issue of sexism.