It is hard to disagree that the lens of history allows exploring the issue of the gender pay gap in detail. It refers to the past and presently occurring influence of the patriarchy, as well as the historical efforts of women to become more equal. At the same time, the approach to this problem would be different in some aspects if the social lens is applied.
For example, I would try to explore the attitudes of modern people toward this concern, especially how males and females, as two community groups involved in the issue, react to the identified inequality. Thus, it is interesting that “46 percent of men and 30 percent of women believe the problem of equal pay and gender parity… is not a ‘legitimate issue’,” which inevitably contributes to the gap’s growth (Renzulli, 2019, para. 3). Further, I would be engaged in studying the effects of the gender wage gap and females’ mental health, uncovering the correlation between this problem and depression not only among females but also adolescents, low-income individuals, and seniors (Patel et al., 2018). It seems to me that this impact of the gender pay gap can significantly increase the level of attention to women and the unfairness they experience. Finally, the social lens would also include reviewing current societal and political attempts to shorten this gap (Blau & Kahn, 2020; England et al., 2020). As a result, these are the key aspects I would address if I applied the lens of social sciences.
Next, it is essential to discuss how critically analyzing diversity adds value to one’s daily interactions in different contexts. The most important improvement a person may notice after they become more aware of diversity is that their interactions with people become more positive, welcoming, and interesting. Various biases, stereotypes, and judgments mostly disappear, and it gets much easier for humans to understand each other and maintain mutual respect (Holck, 2018). Further, in those workplace or community groups where diversity awareness and analysis are not encouraged, it becomes “a source of conflict, power imbalances, and dysfunctional group dynamics” because people cannot be welcoming and tolerant of existing differences (Holck, 2018, para. 2). However, when more individuals respect and consciously enhance diversity, “it promotes a broader range of task-relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities,” making everyone’s conversations and experiences more interesting and insightful (Holck, 2018, para. 2). For example, critical analysis of diversity allows me to learn about the problems faced by specific groups, as well as some topic that may be uncomfortable or unpleasant for minorities. Therefore, avoiding these themes and concerns or being more informed and empathetic when exploring them with people strengthens our conversations.
Finally, the contribution of this course to my understanding of the role of diversity in society is invaluable. Thus, I am more aware now of intersectionality, or the fact that almost everyone, even an average White male, can face discrimination throughout their life, and no one can devaluate their experiences (Hester et al., 2020). Additionally, this course has highlighted the need for promoting diversity, in general, to reduce the rates of discrimination and inequality and make people less guided by stereotypes and intolerance. Lastly, my critical analysis skills like curiosity, research, identification of biases, and open-mindedness enable me to find credible sources about diversity and discrimination, identify and reduce my own stereotypes, and think of some effective ways to make people more equal.
References
Blau, F. D., & Kahn, L. M. (2020). The gender pay gap: Have women gone as far as they can? In J. Brueggemann (Ed.), Inequality in the United States: A reader (pp. 345-362). Routledge.
England, P., Levine, A., & Mishel, E. (2020). Progress toward gender equality in the United States has slowed or stalled. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(13), 6990-6997.
Hester, N., Payne, K., Brown-Iannuzzi, J., & Gray, K. (2020). On intersectionality: How complex patterns of discrimination can emerge from simple stereotypes. Psychological Science, 31(8), 1013-1024.
Holck, L. (2018). Diversity leads to greater social coherence and well-being. Science Nordic. Web.
Patel, V., Burns, J. K., Dhingra, M., Tarver, L., Kohrt, B. A., & Lund, C. (2018). Income inequality and depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association and a scoping review of mechanisms. World Psychiatry, 17(1), 76-89.
Renzulli, K. A. (2019). 46% of American men think the gender pay gap is ‘made up to serve a political purpose.’ CNBC. Web.