GENDER AND

GLOBALIZATION What is globalization?

Globalization is according to Schalkwaylo (1998) refers to, “Policies and trends associated
with market liberalization , such policies include reductions in tariff barriers, the reduction
or elimination of restrictions of foreign investments and the inclusion of services such as
banking and trade regimes”. The advent of globalization has seen the integration of
economies (Butale, 2018).
Foreign direct investments, goods and services are increasing in national economies
The acceleration of market liberalization has been experienced of late, which has also been
characterized by exponential technological advancements. These have in turn facilitated the
global mobility of capital (Schalkwaylo (1998).
Globalization has seen the relocation of firms and investors to countries where they have
access to raw materials and labor which are relatively cheaper than in their countries of
origin. For example China due to their low cost labor are hosting manufacturing plants for
Puma, Nike and Adidas just mention a few, but these are United States companies. This has
led to increased competitive pressures amongst countries.
Definitions

► According to Singh (2004:9) in Butale (2018), Globalization “operates beyond

nation states boundaries and causes nation states to lose aspects of their
sovereignty to an integrated world”. This is so because it brings about vast
changes in policies, may lead to economic reforms which have consequential
effects on formal jobs, public expenditure cuts, food subsidies, education and
health etc.
► Sen (2010) alludes to the notion that,
► “Mainstream economics dwells on the gains expected for both men and
women when the markets are opened up with liberalization and expansions
in trade as well as with foreign direct investments from abroad. Both trade
and Foreign direct investment…… generate opportunities for labor intensive,
low-wage, low staff employment that usually absorbs more women”
Gendered Impacts of Globalization

► A large number of scholars (Beneria and Lind in Butale 2010) have presented
arguments which postulate that globalization has gendered differentiate
impacts on host nations. The effects of globalization have affected women’s
material well being, resulting in the “feminization of poverty”, as their labor
rights are weakened and their job security is threatened.
► According to Sen (2010), globalization thrives on cost cutting competitiveness,
which has resulted in cutting labor costs by implementing labor flexibility.
The major aim being to employ workers who accept low wages leading to sub
contracting , where there are reduced employment costs on their part, thus
reduced income levels for both men and women .
Impact of gender on the society and
economy
► gendered impacts on the society and the economy often present themselves as follows:
► Distribution of labor force by sector: there are more women in the primary production sector especially in
agriculture, whereas men are more concentrated higher up the value chain in beneficiation. A notion which Sen
(2010) terms feminization of labor. Female employment is more in the labor intensive manufacturing sector,
and more unemployment for their male counterparts as women are considered to be more nimble than men.
This perpetuates the vicious cycle of gender discrimination.
► Areas of comparative advantage: are usually low waged labor intensive employment e.g. in the garment
manufacturing sector. According Schalkwaylo (1998), an “an export strategy based on low wage female labor”,
may lead to more women being employed but it often results in increased gender pay gaps, a view which is
supported by Thorin (2001). Butale argues that labor in the export processing zones is often regarded as an
extension of women’s household roles.
► Distribution of Productive Assets: Women tend to benefit less from globalization as they have limited access
to and control of productive assets e.g. education, skills, property and credit. There is also limited
participation by women farmers in external markets yet they depend on agriculture.
► Distribution of unpaid household labor between men and women: Women are the major players in this
scenario wherein it has negative effect on the trade policy choices on the workloads and economic
opportunities.
►
Solutions to global gender issues

► Globalization has both positive and negative consequences it is impetus on the host government or market to challenge the formidable systems in order to attain
gender equality and improved standards of living. In most third world countries, globalization has weakened the bargaining power of women in the labor market.

► Solutions

► A number of scholars argue that, In order to minimize the gendered impacts of globalization, host countries should endeavor to do the following:

► Carry out policy researches o liberalization measures which support gender equality as some policies are deemed to be gender blind.

► Establish economic and labor policies which address the poor working conditions of women in foreign owned businesses.

► Increased representations and more effective involvement of gender equality advocates in national and international trade policy discussions, in order to promote
gender equality

► Capacity development for consistent application of a gender perspective to policy and decision making in all areas relevant to globalization , including macro
economics, trade, employment and adjustment policies.

► There is need to establish a gender disaggregated database or indicators in all sectors of the economy

► More research to be carried out on the people in the informal sector and their working conditions

► There is need to establish a measure on the quality of jobs created, as the jobs shouldn’t be of low wages, insecure tenure, limited training and promotion
prospects. Host governments should take extra caution not to negate quality labor standards, to avoid issues to do with gender deprivation

► Host countries should reduce marginally state investment in social services, as their effects are felt more by women than by men.

►
 Conclusion

Gender dimensions are very critical as they are deemed (Dejardin 2008) to be of
paramount importance for providing “fair globalization”, which will not perpetuate
existing problems of gender inequalities. Gender equality is critical in the global
economy as it provides the backdrop for achieving equity and social justice