Public Issue: Men vs. Women

Public Issue: Men vs. Women
Opinion in general
While most think that men and women are created equal irrespective of their
differences, in some places, the public opinion consists of the notion that women should
abide by their male counterparts (Okbay et al. 2016). Public opinion about this matter is still
in its developing process. The idea of equality among the two is being spread in the
economic, social and political spheres. The masses have been more and more accepting
towards the notion that no gender is inferior or superior to the other.
Change in opinion over the years
During the pre-industrial and Industrial era, the relationship between the two genders,
male and female were seen as a hierarchy kind of relationship where one dominates the other.
Women were seen to be inferior to that of men and were also regarded as fit for only the
household chores, enclosed within the domestic walls. Whereas, men were seen to be fit for
the public sphere and were considered superior. The public opinion about such relation was
uniform in all parts of the world and was seen as 'natural’ (Hewstone, 2016). The power
relations between the genders were not addressed or given much importance. As a result no
strong public opinion had formed about the matter during this period of time.
This started changing since the first half of the 20th century. Movements for the rights
of women emerged bringing about changes in the public opinion about the relationship
between man and woman. This was also a step that gave rise to a solidified public opinion
regarding the issue of gender (Deakin, 2018). In the latter half of the century a division
between the public opinion was seen regarding this matter. With masses still perceiving
women as inferior to men and fit for the private sphere, the attitude of emancipating the status
of women became two fold. One of the subgroups consisting of liberal feminists both male
and female, along with common people with such liberal thoughts advocated the public
opinion of men and women being equal and that women should also receive equal
opportunity for education and work. The second subgroups consisted mainly of female
radical feminists who advanced their movement spreading the notion among many other
women that men are the sole reason for the sufferings faced by women (Hewstone, 2016).
The public opinion of this subgroup stated that women should abandon men and build their
own family and future. Such radical attitudes were perceived to be dangerous by many as it
threatens the very existence of humankind. It had also been seen that many women praised

the patriarchal system where women were inferior and dependent on men considering it made
the women 'safer’. The public opinion about the relationship between men and women had
many smaller divisions during the 20th century. The opinion of people became to witness
changes throughout the 20th century and finally developed to see men and women as
different yet equal individuals by the early 21st century (Okbay et al. 2016). Women are
given more respect, it is normal for them to go out and work and are seen as equal
counterparts of men. Public opinion about Men vs. Women changed and solidified mainly
during the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Comparison between the opinions of three subgroups
The three subgroups for gathering public opinion were people belonging from three
different Socio-economic status divided on the basis of their incomes.
To being with the upper class, it was seen that there women belonging to upper class
advocated strongly for the relationship between men and women to be that of equality. On the
other hand, it was seen that many men advocated this equality but there were many who
thought that women should refrain from being professional and reside over the matters of the
household.
While administering the middle class, the opinion of most men and women were seen
to be similar stating that both are born equal and should be given equal chances.
The lower class responses were mostly consisted of the notion that women are inferior
to men. There was no problem with women going out to work or working with their male
counterparts to earn the bread for the family. However, they are not treated as equal but
seemed to 'belong’ to the father, husband or son.
Following are the supporting figures and charts from public opinion: