Analyzing Gender Mainstreaming in Social Policy and Practice

This essay provides a detailed analysis of gender mainstreaming within the context of social policy. It begins by defining the problem of gender inequality as a social construct, examining its representation in social structures, and proposing policy solutions such as equal treatment and affirmative acti...Read More

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Social world, social policy
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Gender Mainstreaming
The problem and its representation
The problem with gender is inequality (Verloo, 2016, pp. 61). Defining gender as a
social structure with different dimensions, a process or a practice subjects gender to being argued
as a verb and not as a noun making it more of an action such as a social doing rather than as a set
of traits, variable or role. The problem of gender thus is of social nature; it is not reduced to the
body as biology cannot be held as a determinant of sociality (Bacchi, 2009 pp.10). The problem
is represented in the structure of social relations being, the division of labor which can be
modified by practice, a division of power alluding to sexual segregation and structure of
catechesis which organizes emotional and sexual relations among human being. The gender
structure is represented at the individual level, interaction level where there is cultural
expectation, and in institutional dimensions.
Policy proposal
The policy proposals in gender are for equal treatment; the inequality in law causes a
disadvantage to an individual. Women and men are not treated equally but are represented and
protected by the law differently. Advocating for affirmative action; in the labor sector, women
and men have different starting positions where women are disadvantaged (Bachii, 2015, pp. 24).

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The proposal for mainstreaming; a male-centered system is the cause of gender inequality and
lead to individual and group disadvantage.
Factors underlying problem representation
The discourse on the integration of gender is a possible transformative strategy. It has a
weak institution, and its implementation is not entirely done. Furthermore, the theories of
mainstreaming and actual outcomes have a great gap that is considering raising doubts on
whether the policy is applied the gender perspective in all policies to improve the chances of
transformed gender- biased structures or political rhetoric to avoid real structural changes are
what has been represented (Block, 2015, pp.108).
It is questionable as to whether an exemplary shift has taken place to deal with gender
equity, what extent has the exemplary of general mainstreaming strategy adapted or put to work
in various policy areas and how discourses have been represented in gender mainstreaming.
Source of the problem
The sex role theory has assigned specific tasks to specific members of the sex
stereotyping the characters. The society has accepted this, and both men and women have put the
theory in practice hence gender inequality is expected. There is an assumption that physical
appearance of our body is the basis of sex. Sex role is an assumption that is also perceived as an
idea of socialism (Khosla, 2015, pp. 84). The appearance of our body regarding sex is simply a

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distinction that is constructed by the society (McFall, Du Gay and Carter, 2008 pp.12). This
viewing gender as sex is an idea that should be ruled out as natural differences cannot be held by
sex though there is a relationship between sociology and biology, the relationship is distinct, and
sex is defined regarding sociology.
Results from representation
These representations result to disadvantaged people in the society, the disadvantaged
group mostly being women and girls. Because of lack of equality in gender position, the
affirmative action focuses on reducing the gaps created the difference between men and women
and created conditions to overcome the disadvantaged. Mainstreaming advocates for equal rights
to individual and seeks to apply gender policies at a wider stage to create opportunity and
transformation.
Deficiencies of representation
Mainstreaming has been limited by an economic focus that is too narrow resulting in
uneven development in the set goals (Lombardo and Margaret, 2013, pp.32). It lacked restrictive
measures and suggested as a concept that is unclear. Mainstreaming puts too much attention on
technical aspects rather than its contents. Demand that person intended to participate in the
policy process adopt a gender perspective, yet some of these people have little or no experience,
knowledge or interest in regards to gender issues. The policies still result in gender inequality as
many policy measures are produced within the hierarchies of gender.

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It is argued that if gender bias is about power, then this policy should be about abolishing
privileges since gender mainstreaming has been depicted as a harmonious process. The idea of
removing privileges raises questions as to why a process conceptualized as melodic goes to the
extent of eliminating rights (Bumanyaki and Hovloet, 2016 pp.72). The opinions of radical
feminists are not included as a consequence of preventing struggle and conceptualizing harmony
in gender mainstreaming facilitating the process of change.
Challenges faced by the representation
Mainstreaming has been watered down by strategic framing. It runs a significant risk of
being used as an instrument to serve the policy frame and its purpose reduced within the policy-
making process. However, radical standpoints are in danger of being included or excluded in
gender mainstreaming.
Equality in men and men and women is promoted by measures such as awareness
promotion, education, and training. However, this approach is seen to direct its focus on mainly
women men and power ending up out of the analysis.
Role of media in gender mainstreaming
The media has a significant contribution towards normalizing violence towards women as
it portrays muscularity more aggressive than females who are presented as passively aggressive.
Depicted violence against women in the media results to tolerance by the society and even

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acceptance of this norm. The stereotyping of the image of both man and women is depicted in
the press such as representing women to appear dependent on muscularity makes stereotyping
acceptable by the society.
Possible solutions to the problem representation
The law should be changed with both men and women securing equal rights to achieve
equal treatment. Problems caused by disadvantaged groups should be addressed by specific
measures formulated by gender experts or specialists to realize affirmative action (Francis and
Reygan, 2016, pp.111). The actors involved in the policy-making process should be responsible
for transforming the gender hierarchy. A gender approach should be incorporated in all systems,
structures, and policies and in all possible ways to make mainstreaming a reality rather than a
theory for the achievement of its goals.
Criticism of the policy
The policy proposals greatly rely on a theoretical approach. The conceptualizing of the
analysis of the process of policy-making in based on what gender as depicted to be by the
society. Defining gender based on biology creates a big problem as it is the course of sex
inequality. However, determining gender regarding sociology influences the way of thinking.
The theories of mainstreaming on problem-solving are greatly in pure form and have not been
manifested into actions as still many gender inequality is still experienced at all structures of the
society such as the labor structure.

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Bibliography
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theory (p. 368). University of Adelaide Press.
Bacchi, C., 2009. Analysing policy. Pearson Higher Education AU.
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Francis, D. and Reygan, F., 2016. Relationships, intimacy and desire in the lives of lesbian, gay
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McFall, L., Du Gay, P. and Carter, S., 2008. Conduct: sociology and social worlds. Manchester
University Press.
Verloo, M.M.T., 2016. Mainstreaming gender equality in Europe: a critical frame analysis.