In this research study, the scholars investigate whether gender inequality is decreasing across the world as is the case with other welfare indicators. They note women have historically been underrepresented in many national parliaments, in the workforce, and the top rungs of academic attainment among other metrics (Dorius & Firebaugh, 2010). Their research has three hypotheses: One, that global gender inequality is decreasing in most metrics; second, that the reduction in global gender inequality is hampered by dissimilar population growth rates in different nations: third, the decrease in global gender inequality is stunted by stop-start reduction in gender inequality in parts of the world where Western influence is minimal (Dorius & Firebaugh, 2010).
The study uses global indicators designated by supranational bodies such as the United Nations to assess the trends in gender inequality. The research finds that global gender inequality has reduced in many metrics but is still highly pronounced in certain metrics such as national assembly representation (Dorius & Firebaugh, 2010). For adult survival and life expectancy where men were historically marginalized, gender inequality has reduced as well. Also, they report that higher population growth rates in countries that have high levels of gender inequality have reduced the global decline in inequality. Additionally, they report that the decrease in global gender inequality has been retarded mostly by a slow reduction in the same in Asiatic and Buddhist cultures.
The research work is well done and the scholars begin by identifying potential pitfalls that could affect their model. It is encouraging that global inequality is declining rapidly in many metrics. It is interesting to note that in some metrics, women are ahead of men such that gender equality has shifted across the scale. A case in point is the attainment of tertiary education awards. Soon, gender inequality interventions may be aimed at assisting men to catch up with women.
Reference
Dorius, S. F., & Firebaugh, G. (2010). Trends in global gender inequality. Social forces, 88(5), 1941–1968.