GENDER polarisation is a sociological concept or term that is used to define how masculinity and femininity are distinctive and opposite to each other. Before understanding what gender polarisation is and the divisive nature it has on women and men in the Caribbean, we must first understand what gender is. What is it? Well, Gender is actually a social construct and it refers to the social roles and behaviours that are “appropriate” for men and women. It should not be confused for sex, which is the assigned scientific term that refers to an individual’s genes.

Most of the gender roles we learn and adapt to are through our family. After all, most of what we know and what we do is because of this main social institution. The same can be said for the street/yard divide in the Caribbean amongst males and females. This can be traced back to childhood, in households. Girls are taught to stay indoors and play inside while boys are taught that they can play in the streets/ outside. These gender roles are then enforced throughout life in different scenarios for both genders. This translates into the idea of men working outside of the homes and women staying home to take care of the children.

The public divide of the genders is quite noticeable and distinctive in the Caribbean. This is evident in the type of Caribbean dancehall/reggae and soca music that is produced by the region. The explicit lyrics encourage gender roles/norms. It spins the narrative of women staying home/indoors and men being the head of the households/relationships. It even demeans women and praises men for their sexual nature. Schools also have an important role to play in the divide of the genders. Caribbean schools oftentimes encourage the divide of genders through “gender appropriate” subjects and streams/classes. The textbooks that are used in schools also have an impact on this topic. Clearly, the books that are used by the school system have a majority of male characters and/or patriarchal language.

Also, in the public sphere is the employment barriers that both genders are faced with. Women are sometimes forced to restrict themselves to lower-paid or unskilled jobs in the Caribbean. Whereby, men are expected to rise above and beyond in corporate and administrative positions. Certain jobs are also deemed “too feminine” or “too masculine” as well. Thus, this creates a divide between the categorisation of genders to specific jobs. There is also the division of genders in religion. In many religious groups in the Caribbean, men are seen as leaders while men are given “acting” or “assisting” roles compared to the men.

In the homes (private sphere), there is also alarming rates of domestic violence against women from men. Caribbean women also do not have the authority to request when and how they would like to have sex. Most of these women are financially dependent on the men (because of gender roles) and as such, they ought to abide by the rules/restrictions of the head of the household (the man). Even in matrifocal Caribbean societies, women are seen as guiders, instead of assuming a role of dominance. Eventually, their children (sons), brothers or boyfriends will assume dominance.

Taking all of these factors into consideration In what ways then–Does such gender polarisation lead to gender inequality for Caribbean women and men? For starters, the women are forced to stay home/indoors and men are asked to assume the role of provider. There is also a high unemployment rate amongst women and many are solely dependent on men for money. This results in the feminization of poverty (women being poor because of their gender). Women are also given unrealistic rules and restrictions to follow, all throughout their life. From how and why to have sex, to how to dress, from what career field to choose.

While women may face the majority of the downside to the polarisation of the genders; men also are faced with their own issues. Men are asked to act/behave “strong” and “macho”. These words are synonymous with “masculinity” in society. Men are forced to also be the sole breadwinners/providers of their homes, even if they do not want to assume such a role to begin with.

The polarisation of gender truly has a devastating impact on the inequality of women and men. From job segregation to discrimination, unequal employment opportunities and even the unequal household roles– there is a great divide amongst women and men in our region. Until Guyana and ultimately the Caribbean face the sounding truth on the great impact gender roles have on every aspect of our lives, only then will we be able to move forward without continuously hurting our women.