TL;DR - It’s natural for our brains to categorize things we encounter in order to make sense of the complicated world around us. However, with gender bias it seems that the inherent biological physical differences between men and women, as well as, social constructs such as gender inequality have led to the situation being exacerbated.

Beatrice Alba (2018) who is a lecturer in the School of Psychology at Deakin University, informs us that there is extensive evidence of prejudice against women and girls based on psychological research. The scientific evidence that was found confirmed that people do in fact discriminate based on gender, regardless of denials that gender inequality persists in modern societies. Also, what this research further demonstrates is that even when all else is equal, women are still at a disadvantage to men in many fields.

One reason for this could be because men are perceived as being more capable in general. This might be true, especially since men have always played the more dominant role in society since as far back as the hunter-gatherer societies.

Furthermore, Alba raises another important point where this issue of gender bias and inequality is concerned when she highlights that equal does not necessarily mean identical. Here she is referring to the fact that while the physical differences between men and women can be seen as the basis of gender inequality, perhaps equal or equality is not the correct word to use. After all, males and females can’t truly be viewed as equal if they are physically different.

The example that Alba uses to demonstrate this, is to look at male firefighters versus female firefighters. According to her, even in the absence of discrimination there might always be less female firefighters then male firefighters simply because of the physical requirements – men are physically more superior in terms of muscle mass, strength, height, etc.

Another point that Alba raises, which is is even more crucial to recognize, is that gender equality is not the same as gender equity. What she means by this is that gender equality does not mean that males and females always have to be treated exactly the same, especially in light of our biological sex differences. For example, females require maternity leave for pregnancy and birth whereas males do not.

So in situations such as these, equal treatment is not required but equitable treatment is – identifying that differences in ability mean that fairness often requires treating people differently so that they can achieve the same outcome. Furthermore, it should also be noted that there are instances in which equity is necessary to achieve gender equality, but there are many instances where this is not the case.

The bottom line is, men and women are physically different and men will always be more superior in this regard. However, this does not have to be viewed in mostly a negative light just because of this. If looked at more closely, we actually complement each other in spite of our physical differences.

Nevertheless, this shouldn’t lead to us developing negative stereotypes such as gender bias and gender inequality, particularly within the context that it is being viewed now – where it leads men and especially women to feel the need to compete with each other.

What's more, I believe that the issue of gender bias can be resolved if gender equality can be achieved. But in order for this to happen, we need to extend the same respect, offer the same pay scale and the same status of both genders (men and women) in their respective fields.

To achieve gender equality, we must first tackle our unconscious biases
https://theconversation.com/to-achieve-gender-equality-we-must-first-tackle-our-unconscious-biases-92848 [accessed February 3, 2021].

Whilst gender bias is a main reason for inequality between men and women, it is important to consider other factors in play, such as race and class.

• Gender bias is the root of inequality between men and women due to the patriarchal society we live in. Breaking this down even further helps us to identify other key sources of inequality.
• For example, Marxist feminists believe that women are exploited through capitalism and individual ownership of private property and the only way to achieve liberation is to dismantle the oppressive capitalist regimes that do not compensate women’s labour adequately.
• Taking an intersectional approach, Hazel Carby highlights the ways that values of the family are different for black women and men, just as the division of labor is also racialised. This shows that gender bias on its own is insufficient to explain the inequalities between men and women and stresses the importance of intersectionality.

Carby, Hazel (1982), "White woman listen! Black feminism and the boundaries of sisterhood", in Gilroy, Paul (ed.), The Empire Strikes Back: Race and Racism in 70s Britain, London New York: Routledge in association with the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, University of Birmingham, pp. 211–234, ISBN 9780415079099

Despite efforts to move towards equal opportunities for men and women, gender inequality still pervades society. While there are multiple reasons to explain this inequality, ultimately, this stems from a gender bias that exists.

According to the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that it will take another century before true gender equality becomes a reality. This article notes 10 reasons which are the causes of this gender inequality; including uneven access to education, lack of employment equality, job segregation, lack of political representation and lack of legal protection.

While these all explain inequality, the reason these issues exist in the first place is a deeper issue regarding societal mindsets and a gender bias that continues to prevent any significant change. While laws and procedures can be put in place to improve opportunities for women, inequality will never be fully confronted in a de facto sense if peoples mindsets about social stereotypes don't change.