Gender Sensitivity Gender Sensitivity for DT Industry Stakeholders
Understanding Gender Sensitivity
Hello, I am Lee Ji-young
Our society is rapidly changing
and the world we interact with is expanding without limits
In this context, certain sensitivities have become essential for us to embrace
as they align with the growing need to respect diverse cultures and values
The term sensitivity here
refers to the ability to recognize when something is wrong in our society
Among these, the term gender sensitivity
has become particularly prominent in recent years
appearing frequently in our discussions
How do you define gender sensitivity?
While more and more people
have encountered this concept
there are still challenges
in fully understanding and applying it correctly
Let's delve into precise meaning of gender sensitivity
and explore how it can be applied effectively through various examples
Gender sensitivity is not simply about understanding differences between genders
Rather, it involves the ability to identify discrimination
or imbalances that arise due to gender differences in everyday life
It goes beyond recognizing gender-based discrimination
It encompasses an awareness of equality and a willingness to act on it
Put simply
it involves considering how men and women
might feel in certain situations
identifying any discomfort they might experience
and detecting
whether inequalities exist solely because of gender
This sensitivity also includes understanding the essence of discrimination
contemplating solutions, and having the capability to act on them
It’s important to understand and respect
the differences that arise due to gender
However, using these differences
or simply the fact that someone is male or female
as a basis for treating them differently or limiting opportunities
constitutes gender discrimination
Discrimination based purely on gender
irrespective of an individual’s abilities or qualities
infringes on their rightful opportunities
Gender sensitivity is a foundation for detecting and addressing
the various discriminatory situations that occur in everyday life
enabling meaningful improvement
It extends beyond addressing gender issues
It connects to respecting the human rights of individuals
This mindset fosters a society where every person is treated equally as a unique individual
Furthermore, it enables us to understand
broader societal issues and seek ways to address them
Additionally
heightened gender sensitivity
increases awareness of gender-based crimes
and can help prevent a growing societal concern
of secondary victimization
Misconceptions and stereotypes that hinder proper gender sensitivity
often stem from long-held beliefs
They're accepted as norms
simply because they seemed natural or correct
This suggests that
even those who strive to remain vigilant for equality
may hold a few stereotypes
without even noticing them
As members of the same society
including myself
it is essential for all of us to reflect on and examine
whether we harbor any biases or prejudice
Breaking Free from Stereotypes
Have you ever assumed that someone with short hair
seen from behind must be a man
or mistaken a long-haired man
for a woman by looking at them from behind?
Stereotypes influence our words and actions
and can lead to structural inequalities in society
So, what kinds of stereotypes exist in our society?
With the gender roles, women should handle housework
while men should be the breadwinners
Similarly, doctors are men and nurses are women
that men make important decisions
and that women handle delicate tasks
Even emotions and preferences are stereotyped
Men who cry appear weak
or women are overly emotional
Or associating men with sports and women with cooking
These stereotypes are often perpetuated
in the media and various forms of content we consume daily
While some content aims to highlight
and critique such harmful stereotypes or societal issues
it can still unintentionally reinforce fixed notions
of masculinity and femininity among audiences
For example, Kimchi Woman, Doenjang Woman, Mom-chung, Han-nam
and Loser-nam are derogatory terms or hate speech
Plastic surgery monster or dull lip men
sexually judge or demean someone based on their appearance or body
They promote gender discrimination and hate while violating personal dignity
Depictions that sexualize individuals who can visually
be identified as minors
Some portray persistent unwanted advances
such as not giving up even after being rejected
as romantic or noble
Or using coercive physical contact against their will
can be portrayed as desperate or a tough-guy move
These can instill a distorted understanding of sexual violence
therefore requiring a critical perspective
What positive impacts can efforts to foster
proper gender sensitivity have on our daily lives and society?
First, gender sensitivity enhances diversity and inclusivity
Recognizing the variety of people from different backgrounds
and respecting the individuality of everyone
serves as the starting point for genuine communication and understanding
The second positive impact of gender sensitivity
is the discovery of potential
Breaking away from stereotypes and gaining a broader understanding of someone's life
allows us to view both our own and others’ possibilities in a wider context
The third benefit is that gender sensitivity
fosters a sense of responsibility as members of society
while enhancing awareness of social issues
Fourth, it influences our creativity and innovative thinking
A gender-sensitive approach that incorporates diverse perspectives and experiences
leads to richer and more profound storytelling
Lastly, these efforts collectively
contribute to fostering a healthier media culture and societal atmosphere
Industries such as cultural content production
given their ability
to significantly influence societal values and public perceptions
necessitate continuous efforts to enhance gender sensitivity
and promote gender equality awareness
Practicing Gender Sensitivity
The language we use as a society
reflects its overall atmosphere
For instance, the European Union
has banned the use of terms like Miss and Mrs
because these terms highlight her marital status simply by addressing her
Similarly, in Korea
we frequently use certain words that carry discriminatory meanings
which calls for alternative expressions
Let’s explore some examples of gender-equal language to enhance gender sensitivity
First, phrases like manly or ladylike
impose stereotypical expectations based on gender
Instead of these phrases
wouldn’t it be better to say like oneself?
It’s a term that excludes stereotypes and respects individual characteristics
encouraging self-expression
For instance, the term cross-legged sitting
is called dad's sitting
This position is called dad's sitting in Korea
because it reflects a stereotype that men can sit with legs spread wide
while women should keep their legs closed
The Seoul Foundation of Women and Family suggests replacing it
with butterfly leg, as the sitting posture
resembles butterfly wings that are spread out
While this might feel awkward at first
small efforts like these can lead to significant change
Then it's worth a try
It may feel awkward at first
but over time, we can realize that
the old terms were problematic or unnatural
There are phrases that has evolved to adopt more neutral and inclusive term
For example, while we used to say half-parent
we're now using the term single parent
Also, we referred to the guardian of the student father and brother
but now we're just using the neutral term, guardian
We also say first work instead of maiden work
We’ve also moved away from unnecessarily gendered terms
like female doctor, female employee
unless it is necessary for context
Even if it feels unfamiliar at first, using gender-equal language
helps enhance gender sensitivity
and contributes to a culture that treats everyone equally
regardless of gender
To create a society
where everyone feels valued and respected
please embrace practices that promote gender sensitivity
First, break stereotypes
If you have associated tasks like men drive, women cook
try engaging in activities that step outside of these traditional gender roles
Instead of following societal expectations
focus on what you enjoy and what you are good at
Second, respect diversity
Just because someone is male or female
does not mean they will think or feel the same way
Accept the unique traits of others as they are
and respect the fact that their perspectives may differ from your own
Lastly, whether at home, at work, or in daily life
adopt a sharper and more critical perspective
Pay close attention to TV programs
advertisements, and other forms of content to see
if any discriminatory elements or gender-biased images are present
If you notice a problem, don’t hesitate to raise your voice
Gender sensitivity is not just about personal growth
It leads to broader societal change and progress
In a gender-equal society, all individuals are provided
with an environment where they can fully realize their potential
Developing gender sensitivity requires consistent effort
When we all start making small changes in our daily lives
the ripple effect will grow like a snowball
Let’s take small but impactful actions together
to create a society where everyone is respected
Understanding Gender Sensitivity The concept of gender sensitivity The ability to detect discrimination and imbalance caused by gender differences in everyday life
Discrimination based on gender constitutes gender discrimination Denying rights based on gender alone infringes upon their legitimate rights
The Necessity Can identify and address discriminatory situations Can promote a respectful attitude Prevents secondary victimizatation
Breaking free from stereotypes Stereotypes in various content cause viewers to learn stereotyped images of women or men
Such stereotypes promote gender discrimination and hatred while undermining individual dignity
Positive Direction of Adult Sensitivity Promoting Diversity and Inclusion, Discovering Possibilities, Increasing Responsibility and Awareness of Social Issues, Enhancing Creativity and Innovation, Creating a Healthy Media Culture and Social Atmosphere
Practicing Gender-neutral language can increase awareness of gender sensitivity and contribute to a culture of equality
Examples Ladylike, Manly - Like myself, Dad's sitting - Butterfly sitting Half parent - Single parent, Father as guardian - Parents Maiden work - First work
Steps to Practice Discard stereotypes, Respect diversity, Adopt a critical perspective