On the Roots of Gender Inequality in Developing Countries

By Alan S. Cajes, PhD

Gender inequality is more pronounced in poorer countries compared to the richer economies. It does not follow, however, that poverty is the root cause of gender inequality. What brings about inequality among males and females are societal factors and determinants that are embedded in the way of life of some poor countries. The gender gaps (in favor of the males) are documented in the following areas: level of college education, life expectancy, employment, violence, labor force participation, decision making authority in the households, livelihood generation, etc.

The cultural factors that cause gender inequality include patrilocality (a household living near the husband’s family), support to old-age parents provided by sons, dowry system (payment by the bride’s parents to the couple at the time of marriage), patrilineality (property ownership is passed on to male heirs), special role of the males in religious rituals, concern for women’s safety and purity, etc.

Gender inequality occurs largely and systematically in poorer countries where the cultural practices are generally privileging the males compared to the females. In a way, poverty affects both males and females, but the physical stature of the men are more predisposed to bear the physical burden associated with a poor household.

In the rural area where I spent my childhood, the males were the priority when it comes to paid labor, such as working in farms or other forms of manual labor. Economic activities and traditional forms of livelihood are also dominated by males. Since the males provide for the economic support of the household, it follows that they also have a stronger voice in decision making.

The fields of politics and religious life are also male dominated. Traditionally, the women provide support to the male leaders and religious leaders. This also extends to the school and the workplace, where higher positions are generally male dominated. Thus, workplace policies and standards are generally biased in favor to men. That is why policies that address gender inequity are usually perceived as mechanisms to ward of males rather than females.

Poverty is not the cause of gender inequality. It is however a social determinant that is reinforced by cultural factors that are formed partly by limited economic opportunities.