14.1 Impact of globalization on gender relations
3 min read•july 22, 2024
Globalization reshapes gender dynamics worldwide, altering labor markets and challenging traditional roles. Women's increased participation in paid work expands economic independence but also reveals persistent inequalities in wages, job security, and career advancement.
The global economy relies heavily on female labor, often in precarious conditions. Transnational migration for domestic and creates new opportunities but also exposes women to exploitation. Meanwhile, uneven resource distribution and technology access perpetuate gender gaps in education, healthcare, and economic .
Economic and Social Impact of Globalization on Gender
Economic globalization and gender dynamics
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Globalization and Labor Markets in the Developing World: Gendered Dynamics View original
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- Changing labor markets and employment opportunities
- Shift from agriculture to manufacturing (textiles, electronics) and service sectors (tourism, call centers)
- Increased participation of women in paid labor force expands their economic independence
- Transformation of traditional gender roles
- Women as breadwinners challenging male authority within households and communities
- Dual-earner households leading to renegotiation of domestic responsibilities like childcare and housework
- Persistent gender inequalities
- Occupational segregation concentrates women in lower-paying, less secure jobs (garment factories, domestic work)
- Gender wage gaps where women earn less than men for comparable work limit economic advancement
- Limited access to higher-paying jobs in management and decision-making positions maintains glass ceilings
- Intersection with other social hierarchies
- Class, race, and ethnicity shaping women's experiences of globalization (migrant workers, indigenous women)
- Differential impact on women from the Global North who may benefit more than those in the Global South
Gendered dimensions of global labor
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- Increased demand for female workers in export-oriented industries (electronics assembly, call centers)
- Women as preferred labor force due to perceived docility, dexterity, and acceptance of lower wages
- Precarious and exploitative working conditions
- Informal sector employment lacking job security, benefits, and labor protections (street vending, home-based work)
- Exposure to health hazards (toxic chemicals) and sexual harassment in the workplace
- migration
- Feminization of domestic work and care work as women migrate to fill labor shortages (nannies, elder care)
- Vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, and by recruiters and employers
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- Outsourcing of childcare and eldercare to migrant women from developing countries
- Emotional and social costs for families in sending countries with absent mothers and wives
Globalization's impact on women's resources
- Uneven distribution of resources
- Privatization and commodification of essential services like water and healthcare reduces access
- Reduced public spending on education and healthcare disproportionately affects women and girls
- Gendered barriers to education
- Prioritization of male education in resource-constrained households limits girls' schooling
- Child marriage and early childbearing disrupt girls' educational attainment
- Inadequate healthcare services
- Lack of affordable and quality reproductive healthcare services (contraception, maternal care)
- Increased exposure to health risks in globalized industries (repetitive strain injuries, respiratory problems)
- Microcredit and financial inclusion
- Expansion of credit access for women entrepreneurs through microfinance programs (Grameen Bank)
- Limitations in terms of small loan amounts and questionable long-term economic empowerment
Technology's role in global gender norms
- Digital divide and unequal access
- Gendered disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity (computers, smartphones)
- Limited opportunities for women to acquire digital skills and literacy widens economic gaps
- Representation and stereotyping in media
- Perpetuation of traditional gender roles and beauty standards in advertising and entertainment
- Objectification and sexualization of women's bodies reinforces harmful gender norms
- Online gender-based violence
- Cyberbullying, harassment, and non-consensual image sharing targets and shames women
- Silencing effect on women's online participation, self-expression and networking
- Feminist activism and digital solidarity
- Use of social media for transnational mobilization and advocacy (hashtag campaigns, online petitions)
- Creation of alternative narratives and counter-hegemonic discourses to resist patriarchal globalization
Key Terms to Review (41)
Amartya Sen: Amartya Sen is an Indian economist and philosopher, best known for his work on welfare economics and social choice theory, which emphasizes the importance of individual capabilities in assessing well-being. His ideas have greatly influenced the understanding of development, poverty, and inequality, particularly in relation to how globalization affects gender relations by focusing on women's empowerment and their roles in society.
Anti-globalization feminism: Anti-globalization feminism is a critical movement that challenges the impacts of globalization on women and gender relations, advocating for social justice and equality. It highlights how globalization can exacerbate inequalities, particularly affecting women in developing countries who often bear the brunt of exploitative labor practices and environmental degradation. This perspective emphasizes the need for feminist approaches that consider local contexts and prioritize the voices of marginalized women in the face of global economic policies.
Arlie Russell Hochschild: Arlie Russell Hochschild is a prominent sociologist known for her work on the sociology of emotions and gender relations, particularly in the context of family and labor. Her research examines how women manage their emotions and the social expectations that shape their experiences, especially as they navigate the challenges of balancing work and home life. Hochschild's concepts, such as 'the second shift,' highlight the impact of globalization on gender relations, revealing how economic changes influence women's roles both in the workplace and at home.
Care work: Care work refers to the activities involved in providing physical, emotional, and social support to individuals who require assistance, such as children, the elderly, or those with disabilities. This type of work is often unpaid and predominantly performed by women, highlighting significant gender disparities in labor division. Care work plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of families and communities, and its value has become increasingly recognized in discussions about labor rights and economic contributions.
Critical Global Citizenship: Critical global citizenship refers to an awareness and understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues and the impact of individual actions on global systems, particularly in relation to social justice, equity, and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of critically analyzing one's own position within the global context and advocating for change that addresses inequalities, particularly those influenced by globalization.
Cultural Hybridization: Cultural hybridization is the process by which elements from different cultures merge to create new cultural forms and practices. This blending can lead to the formation of unique identities and expressions, influenced by the interactions between local and global cultures, often intensified by globalization. As cultures interact, they adapt and change, leading to new norms, values, and gender relations in various societies.
Cultural imperialism: Cultural imperialism refers to the practice of promoting and imposing one culture over others, often through media, education, and globalization, leading to the dominance of specific cultural values, beliefs, and practices. This concept highlights how powerful nations can influence or even overshadow local cultures, shaping societal norms and gender roles in different parts of the world.
Cultural Imperialism: Cultural imperialism refers to the imposition of one culture over another, often through media, education, and economic practices, leading to the dominance of the more powerful culture. This concept emphasizes how dominant cultures can influence and shape the beliefs, values, and behaviors of less powerful cultures, often marginalizing local traditions and identities. It reflects the interplay between cultural power dynamics and globalization, impacting various aspects of society including gender roles and relations.
Economic restructuring: Economic restructuring refers to the significant changes in the way economies operate, often driven by globalization, technological advancements, and shifts in production and labor markets. This process can lead to the transformation of industries, labor relations, and economic policies, impacting various groups differently, particularly in relation to gender. As economies evolve, the roles of men and women in the workforce may shift, leading to new patterns of employment, income distribution, and social dynamics.
Empowerment: Empowerment refers to the process of gaining power and control over one's life and circumstances, often involving the ability to make choices, access resources, and advocate for oneself. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals and groups can break free from systemic oppression, particularly in contexts where gender relations are affected by societal structures. Empowerment is about fostering self-esteem, confidence, and the capacity to influence decisions that impact one's life, leading to broader social change.
Feminist political economy: Feminist political economy is an analytical framework that examines the intersections of gender, class, and economic systems to understand how these factors shape women's roles and experiences in society. It emphasizes how power dynamics within economic structures contribute to gender inequalities, and critiques traditional economic theories that often overlook the contributions of women and marginalized groups in the economy. By considering both macroeconomic policies and micro-level experiences, this perspective highlights the importance of gendered analysis in understanding economic phenomena.
Feminization of labor: The feminization of labor refers to the increasing participation of women in the workforce, particularly in roles traditionally held by men, often characterized by lower pay, job insecurity, and less favorable working conditions. This shift has been influenced by various social, economic, and cultural factors, leading to a significant transformation in gender roles and expectations in the labor market.
Gender and trade network: A gender and trade network refers to the interconnected relationships and systems that shape how trade practices, roles, and economic opportunities are influenced by gender. This concept examines the ways in which gender identities and relations impact participation in trade, labor markets, and global economic structures, highlighting disparities in access and power. Understanding these networks helps to reveal how globalization can both perpetuate and challenge existing gender inequalities.
Gender equality: Gender equality refers to the state in which individuals of all genders have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It emphasizes that everyone should have access to the same resources and decision-making power, regardless of gender. This concept is crucial for creating just societies where discrimination is minimized and both men and women can contribute fully to social, economic, and political life.
Gender inequality: Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender, often resulting in disparities in rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. This inequality is shaped by historical contexts, cultural norms, and social structures that prioritize one gender over another, typically disadvantaging women and non-binary individuals while privileging men.
Gender norm shifts: Gender norm shifts refer to the changes in societal expectations and behaviors associated with gender roles over time. These shifts can result from various factors, including cultural, economic, and political influences, often leading to increased gender equality and a redefinition of traditional roles within communities. As societies evolve, these shifts can impact everything from family structures to workplace dynamics.
Gender-based violence in migration: Gender-based violence in migration refers to the harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, particularly affecting women and LGBTQ+ individuals, during the process of migration. This violence can occur at various stages, including in transit, at borders, or within host communities, often exacerbated by vulnerabilities linked to displacement, economic instability, and legal marginalization. Understanding this term sheds light on the intersection of migration and gender dynamics in a globalized context.
Gendered division of labor: The gendered division of labor refers to the way in which work tasks and roles are distributed based on gender, often leading to distinct expectations for men and women in both domestic and professional settings. This division can be seen in various aspects of society, where traditionally, men are associated with paid work outside the home, while women are often relegated to unpaid domestic work or roles that are stereotypically viewed as 'feminine.'
Gendered globalization: Gendered globalization refers to the way globalization processes affect men and women differently, often reinforcing existing gender inequalities while also creating new opportunities. It highlights how economic, social, and cultural changes brought by globalization can have distinct impacts based on gender, influencing labor markets, migration patterns, and social norms.
Global Care Chains: Global care chains refer to the interconnected networks of care workers, predominantly women, who migrate across borders to provide care services in wealthier countries while their own families are left behind. This phenomenon highlights how globalization impacts gender relations by exposing the unequal distribution of caregiving responsibilities and labor, often rooted in class and race dynamics. Global care chains reveal the complexities of dependency and the transnational nature of care work, which plays a significant role in shaping gendered experiences of labor and family life.
Global feminization of labor: Global feminization of labor refers to the increasing participation of women in the global workforce, particularly in low-wage and informal employment sectors as a result of globalization. This phenomenon highlights the shifting dynamics of gender roles and economic structures, where women are often drawn into labor markets that exploit their labor while simultaneously offering them opportunities for economic independence. The term underscores the intersection of gender and labor in a globalized economy, illustrating how these changes affect women differently across cultures and regions.
Global labor markets: Global labor markets refer to the international exchange of labor and employment opportunities across borders, driven by globalization, technological advancements, and economic interdependence. This interconnectedness allows businesses to access a broader workforce while enabling workers from different regions to seek employment in various countries, influencing wage structures, job availability, and working conditions worldwide.
Global labor migration: Global labor migration refers to the movement of people from one country or region to another for the purpose of employment or better economic opportunities. This phenomenon is heavily influenced by globalization, as it leads to interconnected labor markets and the flow of workers across borders, often resulting in significant changes in gender relations, economic structures, and social dynamics in both sending and receiving countries.
Global supply chains: Global supply chains refer to the interconnected networks of production, distribution, and consumption that span multiple countries, enabling companies to source materials, manufacture goods, and deliver products to consumers worldwide. These networks are heavily influenced by globalization, affecting labor dynamics and gender relations in various contexts as businesses seek cost efficiency and competitive advantage.
Global women's movement: The global women's movement refers to a collective effort by women around the world to address and challenge gender inequalities, advocating for women's rights and empowerment on a global scale. This movement encompasses various issues such as reproductive rights, economic equality, political representation, and combating violence against women, all while recognizing the intersectionality of race, class, and culture. It connects local struggles to global networks, promoting solidarity and shared goals across diverse contexts.
Human trafficking: Human trafficking is the illegal trade of people for exploitation, often involving coercion, fraud, or force. This complex issue is deeply intertwined with globalization, as economic disparities and migration patterns contribute to vulnerable populations becoming targets for traffickers, while also intersecting with labor rights, human rights abuses, and various forms of gender-based violence.
Hybrid identities: Hybrid identities refer to the complex and fluid nature of individual and group identities that emerge from the interplay of multiple cultural, social, and personal influences. This concept highlights how globalization, migration, and interaction between different cultures can lead to the creation of new, blended identities that do not fit neatly into traditional categories. Such identities can reflect a mixture of gender roles, cultural practices, and social norms, often challenging established understandings of identity.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and disability—intersect and interact to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege. This concept helps to understand that people's experiences are shaped by multiple, overlapping social categories and highlights the complexity of social issues in a nuanced way.
Microfinance for women: Microfinance for women refers to financial services, such as small loans and savings accounts, specifically designed to empower women and support their entrepreneurial activities. This approach aims to alleviate poverty by providing women access to capital that they might not otherwise receive due to traditional banking barriers. By focusing on women, microfinance not only promotes economic independence but also fosters broader social change in gender relations within communities.
Migrant domestic workers: Migrant domestic workers are individuals, often women, who move from one country to another to provide household services such as cleaning, cooking, and caregiving for families. This phenomenon is significantly influenced by globalization, which has reshaped labor markets and gender relations, leading to an increased demand for affordable domestic labor in wealthier nations.
Naila Kabeer: Naila Kabeer is a prominent feminist economist and scholar known for her work on gender and development, particularly in the context of globalization. Her research critically examines how global economic processes affect women's lives, highlighting issues of power dynamics, inequality, and agency in relation to gender roles. Kabeer's work emphasizes the interconnectedness of local and global contexts, showing how globalization can both empower and disempower women.
Neoliberalism and gender: Neoliberalism refers to a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes free-market capitalism, individualism, and limited government intervention. When applied to gender, neoliberalism affects the ways in which gender roles are defined and regulated, promoting ideas of personal responsibility while often overlooking systemic inequalities. This framework shapes how globalization impacts gender relations, influencing issues such as labor rights, economic empowerment, and the commodification of gender identities.
Postcolonial feminism: Postcolonial feminism is an analytical framework that critiques the intersections of gender, race, and colonialism, focusing on how colonial legacies impact women's lives in formerly colonized societies. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding gender roles in the context of colonial histories and global power dynamics, advocating for the voices and experiences of women from these regions to be centered in feminist discourse.
Postcolonial feminist theory: Postcolonial feminist theory is an analytical framework that examines the intersections of gender, race, class, and colonialism, emphasizing how colonial histories shape contemporary gender dynamics. It critiques traditional feminism for often prioritizing the experiences of Western women while neglecting the voices and realities of women from formerly colonized nations. This perspective highlights the unique struggles faced by women in postcolonial contexts, revealing how globalization influences gender relations in both oppressive and liberating ways.
Precarious working conditions: Precarious working conditions refer to employment situations that are uncertain, unstable, and insecure, often lacking benefits and protections associated with traditional full-time jobs. These conditions are characterized by low wages, job insecurity, and limited access to social protections, which disproportionately affect marginalized groups, especially women, in a globalized economy. The rise of such work is linked to broader economic trends like globalization and the increasing gig economy, impacting gender relations and highlighting global labor issues.
Reproductive labor: Reproductive labor refers to the work involved in maintaining and supporting the workforce, including tasks related to childcare, eldercare, household chores, and emotional support. This type of labor is often undervalued and primarily performed by women, reflecting gender inequalities in both the household and the workforce. In the context of globalization, reproductive labor becomes even more significant as it intersects with economic trends and shifts in gender relations.
Structural Adjustment Policies: Structural adjustment policies are economic reforms implemented by countries, often mandated by international financial institutions, aimed at stabilizing and restructuring economies facing fiscal crises. These policies typically involve reducing government spending, liberalizing trade, and privatizing state-owned enterprises, which can have significant implications for various sectors of society, including gender relations.
Transnational feminism: Transnational feminism refers to a feminist perspective that examines the ways in which global issues, such as colonialism, capitalism, and globalization, intersect with gender and impact women's lives across different cultures and nations. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing gender inequalities through a global lens, recognizing that experiences of oppression and resistance are shaped by local contexts and historical legacies.
Transnational Feminism: Transnational feminism is an approach that examines how global processes, such as colonialism and globalization, shape gender identities, roles, and experiences across different cultures. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of women's struggles worldwide, recognizing that issues of gender inequality cannot be understood in isolation from the broader socio-political and economic contexts that affect them. This perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of how local and global dynamics interact in shaping women's lives and feminist movements.
Transnational labor: Transnational labor refers to the work performed by individuals who cross national borders to engage in employment opportunities, often driven by economic necessity or the pursuit of better living conditions. This type of labor highlights the interconnectedness of global economies and the movement of people, while also revealing the complex dynamics of gender relations as women frequently dominate certain sectors, particularly in domestic work and low-wage industries. The impact of transnational labor extends beyond economic factors, influencing cultural exchanges and social networks that shape identities across borders.
Women’s global strike: The women’s global strike is a coordinated event where women around the world come together to protest against gender-based injustices, demanding equality and social change. This strike highlights the intersectionality of women's issues across different cultures, focusing on labor rights, reproductive rights, and violence against women, emphasizing the need for collective action to address these systemic inequalities in a global context.