The Global Gender Divide We Really Should Be Talking About
The Global Gender Divide We Really Should Be Talking About TIME
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South Korea’s Political Divide and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
There are three facts about South Korea that it would be wise to pay attention to.
1. Declining Fertility Rate
South Korea’s fertility rate has plummeted to below one child per woman, which means the nation’s population of around 50 million people today will shrink by half in just a generation.
2. Anti-Feminist Political Agenda
The current President, Yoon Suk Yeol, won election in 2022 on an explicitly anti-feminist agenda, with a promise to abolish the ministry for gender equality.
3. Political Divide between Young Men and Women
There is a massive political divide in the country between young men and young women. These trends are inextricably related, as politics gets more divided between the sexes, maternity wards get quieter.
These trends in South Korea are concerning, as they have significant implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to address global challenges such as gender equality, reducing inequalities, and promoting well-being for all.
The Global Trend of Political Divides between Men and Women
The political divide between men and women is not limited to South Korea. Similar gaps are opening up in other advanced economies, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
This new trend has political scientists scratching their heads. It points to a real risk of fractious division among the coming generation of young people. It is crucial to listen carefully to both sides and find common ground to address these divisions.
The Decline of Feminism among Young Men
One shared trend is the turning away from feminism among young men, even as women turn more strongly toward it. This shift in ideology has significant implications for gender equality and the achievement of SDG 5: Gender Equality.
The Importance of Engaging Young Men in Politics
One of the big differences between young men and women is not just along partisan lines but with regard to the importance of politics altogether. Young men are simply not as engaged in political issues as young women. This disengagement can hinder progress towards achieving the SDGs, as active participation in politics is crucial for driving change.
The Consequences of the Political Divide
1. Polarization and Entrenched Divisions
The political divide between men and women could lead to increased polarization if these divisions persist. This polarization can hinder progress towards achieving the SDGs, as collaboration and cooperation are essential for addressing global challenges.
2. Impact on Family Formation and Fertility Rates
The political divide could also lead to lower rates of family formation and potentially lower fertility rates. This has implications for SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, as strong family structures contribute to overall well-being.
3. Worsening Well-being and Fraying Social Ties
A permanent ideological canyon between men and women is likely to worsen well-being. Family life is typically an anchor for identity and purpose, and fraying ties between men and women could deepen the existing “friendship recession.” This has implications for SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, as strong social ties are essential for building peaceful and inclusive societies.
Addressing the Political Divide for Sustainable Development
To address the political divide between men and women and promote sustainable development, it is crucial to:
- Encourage dialogue and understanding between young men and women
- Promote gender equality and feminism among young men
- Engage young men in political issues and decision-making processes
- Address the specific challenges and concerns of boys and men, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges facing girls and women
- Foster collaboration and cooperation between men and women to achieve the SDGs
By addressing the political divide and working towards gender equality, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.
Reference:
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the political divide between young men and young women, the decline in fertility rates, and the neglect of men’s issues. These issues are directly related to gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). The political divide and potential entrenchment of polarization also touch upon the need for strong institutions and peace (SDG 16).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels
The article highlights the political divide between young men and women, the neglect of men’s issues, and the potential impact on family formation and fertility rates. To address these issues, targets such as ending discrimination and violence against women (SDG 5.1 and 5.2), promoting social and political inclusion (SDG 10.2), and ensuring inclusive decision-making (SDG 16.7) are relevant.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Gender gap in ideology
- Percentage of men agreeing that feminism has made society better
- Suicide rate among men
- Gender gap in engagement with politics
- Rate of family formation
- Fertility rates
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include the gender gap in ideology, the percentage of men agreeing with the positive impact of feminism, the suicide rate among men, the gender gap in engagement with politics, and the rates of family formation and fertility.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres |
– Gender gap in ideology – Percentage of men agreeing that feminism has made society better |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | – Gender gap in engagement with politics |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels | – Gender gap in engagement with politics |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: time.com
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