gender equality gp essay questions

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GP Model Essays “We can never close the gender divide.” Do you agree?

“We can never close the gender divide.” Do you agree? 

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GP Essay Question: Model Essay

As the COVID-19 pandemic pushes on and persists to affect lives and livelihoods around the world, we are witnessing a tide of economic fallout, which has a regressive effect on gender equality. According to Mckinsey Research, women’s jobs are 1.8 times more vulnerable in this crisis compared to men’s jobs and It is predicted that women make up 39 percent of global employment, will account for 54 percent of overall job losses. Some put forth the view that we can never close the gender divide due to such economic realities, legislative barriers and sexist mindsets that pervades in our society today, creating an irreconcilable chasm between males and females. This has led some to believe that the gender divide is insurmountable. However, it is my conviction that while closing the gender divide will be difficult, it is not out of the question, mainly attributed to changing attitudes in legislature and shifts in societal mindsets towards women. Ergo, it will be difficult, but closing the gender divide is indeed possible.

Some espouse the opinion that it is not possible to close the gender divide largely due to the existence of legislative barriers that institutionalise gender discrimination and perpetuate gender inequality. In Singapore, for instance, although the Government has taken steps in the recent years to educate and incentivise employers to be fair and to promote flexible work arrangements so that, yet there is still an absence of legislation that clearly lays out employer duties and responsibilities, this results in many companies being able to get away with little more than superficial commitments to be more inclusive. The situation is even more bleak in less developed countries like India. In the recent years, the numerous cases of rape across the country once again exposed the failures of the criminal justice system. Nearly six years after the government amended laws and put in place new guidelines aimed at justice for survivors of rape and sexual violence, yet girls and women continue to face barriers to reporting such crimes. Victim-blaming is also rampant, and the lack of witness and victim protection laws make girls and women from marginalized communities even more vulnerable to harassment and threats. Across the spectrum, from developing to more developed countries, what persists is a disturbing observation that legislation either explicitly hurts women and promotes sexism, or it condones behaviours that hurt women and promote sexism. It remains a deeply painful and saddening reality that the patriarchy continues to be entrenched in legislature, and ingrained in societal institutions, leading some to think that it is a futile quest and that we can never close the gender divide. In view of all these challenges, it does seem like an uphill task when it comes to closing the gender divide. But to say that it is an impossible dream would be too fatalistic. I strongly stand by the view that closing the gender divide is not completely impossible- there is definitely more than a glimmer of hope. First and foremost, there have been changing attitudes in legislature that have led to tremendous progress for women’s rights on paper. Right here in Singapore, the government has just announced that they will embark on a review of women’s issues showing a strong committed step towards greater gender equality. In the pipeline are a series of engagements termed as “Conversations on Women Development” scheduled to take place between the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organisations, with the objective of identifying and tackling issues concerning women in Singapore.   These will culminate in a White Paper to be issued by the Government in the first half of 2021.

Across the globe, in terms of the right to political representation, the presence of women   has been growing- in the upcoming US Presidential elections, Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Vice President for the democratic party is a milestone. She is the first woman and the first person of colour to serve as vice president.   In Canada, Justin Trudeau made half the ministers in his cabinet women. Similarly, in Singapore, other than having a first female president, the recent election 29 per cent of the 93 seats for elected Members of Parliament (MPs), 27 – or elected seats – went to women, compared to 21 out of 89 seats after the 2015 polls. Even in countries without a female head of government, changes in legislature have indeed been growing to ameliorate gender inequality and boost the rights of women. Japan has adopted new legislation to promote women’s political participation by urging political parties to make the number of male and female candidates as equal as possible and set targets for gender parity. Notoriously patriarchal countries like Afghanistan had a record of 417 female candidates that participated in the October parliamentary elections in 2018. These are all concrete evidence that legislature has been changing to increase rights for women and enact gender parity, closing the gender divide. With more female representation in politics and in view of these steps towards women representation, it is still very much possible for us to close the gender divide in the near future.  

In addition to this, it is definitely possible to close the gender divide because there has also been shifting societal attitudes towards women. At a societal level, the #MeToo movement directed unprecedented attention to the historic injustices and inequalities experienced by women, specifically those related to sexual harassment in the workplace. Led by grassroots activists, this movement gained traction across Asia, opening space for countless stories of harassment and new opportunities to hold perpetrators to account. Even countries that have been traditionally patriarchal in nature like South Korea is making headways in gender equality. Enterprising Korean women are increasingly visible in a traditionally male dominated country like South Korea. More young women are earning university degrees than men. More than 70% of women between 25 and 34 are active in the workforce. Young women are far more vocal than previous generations in challenging the conservative social mores that hold them back. For instance, two female Youtube Influencers Jung Se-young and Baeck Hana, are part of a wave of feminist activism that has swept South Korea. These ladies have cut their hair, thrown away their make-up and sworn off relationships with men. With the advent of social media, the influence of feminism is increasing spreading across social media platforms and society is waking up to the fact that young digital natives no longer want these conservative traditions, and women are free to reject them. Thus, it is highly possible that due to shifting societal attitudes that promote gender equality, the gender divide will be definitely be closed.  

All in all, although the path towards gender equality may seem frustratingly slow. But the fact that inequality is now being openly discussed is progress in itself. In these recent years, societies and government worldwide have been placing gender equality issues on their agenda. With this growing trend towards more rights for women on paper, coupled with the shifting societal mindsets, it is completely possible that our generations will be able to close the gender in our lifetime. The journey towards gender equality may be winding. There is no silver bullet and admittedly there is a lot to do in the field of equality, but nothing is impossible. We must and can continue to fight and narrow the gender divide.  

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70 Argumentative Essay Topics About Gender Equality

Gender equality is an extremely debatable topic. Sooner or later, every group of friends, colleagues, or classmates will touch on this subject. Discussions never stop, and this topic is always relevant.

This is not surprising, as our society hasn’t reached 100% equality yet. Pay gaps, victimization, abortion laws, and other aspects remain painful for millions of women. You should always be ready to structure your thoughts and defend your point of view on this subject. Why not practice with our list of essay topics about gender equality?

Our cheap essay writing service authors prepared 70 original ideas for you. Besides, at the end of our article, you’ll find a list of inspirational sources for your essay.

Argumentative Essay Topics About Gender Equality

• Does society or a person define gender?
• Can culturally sanctioned gender roles hurt adolescents’ mental health?
• Who or what defines the concepts of “masculinity” and “femininity” in modern society?
• Should the rules of etiquette be changed because they’ve been created in the epoch of total patriarchy?
• Why is gender equality higher in developed countries? Is equality the cause or the result of the development?
• Are gender stereotypes based on the difference between men’s and women’s brains justified?
• Would humanity be more developed today if gender stereotypes never exited?
• Can a woman be a good politician? Why or why not?
• What are the main arguments of antifeminists? Are they justified?
• Would our society be better if more women were in power?

Analytical Gender Equality Topics

• How do gender stereotypes in the sports industry influence the careers of athletes?
• Social and psychological foundations of feminism in modern Iranian society: Describe women’s rights movements in Iran and changes in women’s rights.
• Describe the place of women in today’s sports and how this situation looked a hundred years ago.
• What changes have American women made in the social and economic sphere? Describe the creation of a legislative framework for women’s empowerment.
• How can young people fix gender equality issues?
• Why do marketing specialists keep taking advantage of gender stereotypes in advertising?
• How does gender inequality hinder our society from progress?
• What social problems does gender inequality cause?
• How does gender inequality influence the self-image of male adolescents?
• Why is the concept of feminism frequently interpreted negatively?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Gender Equality in Art and Literature

• Theory of gender in literature: do male and female authors see the world differently? Pick one book and analyze it in the context of gender.
• Compare and contrast how gender inequality is described in L. Tolstoy’s novel “Anna Karenina” and G. Flaubert’s novel “Madame Bovary.” Read and analyze the mentioned books, distinguish how gender inequality is described, and how the main characters manage this inequality.
• The artificial gender equality and class inequality in the novel “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley.
• Do modern romance novels for teenagers help to break gender stereotypes, or do they enforce them?
• Gender equality changes through Disney animation films. Analyze the scenarios of Disney animation films from the very beginning. Describe how the overall mood in relation to female characters and their roles has changed.
• Henrik Ibsen touched on the topic of gender inequality in his play “A Doll’s House.” Why was it shocking for a 19th century audience?
• Concepts of gender inequality through examples of fairy tales. Analyze several fairy tales that contain female characters. What image do they have? Do these fairy tales misrepresent the nature of women? How do fairy tales spoil the world view of young girls?
• Why do female heroes rarely appear in superhero movies?
• Heroines of the movie “Hidden Figures” face both gender and racial inequalities. In your opinion, has the American society solved these issues entirely?
• The problem of gender inequality in the novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker.

Gender Equality Essay Ideas: Workplace and Employment

• Dress code in the workplace: Does it help to solve the problem of gender inequality, or is it a detriment?
• What kind of jobs are traditionally associated with men and women? How have these associations changed in the last 50 years?
• The pay gap between men and women: is it real?
• How can HR managers overcome gender stereotypes while hiring a new specialist?
• Analyze the concepts of “glass ceiling” and “glass elevator.” Do these phenomena still exist in our society?

Essay Topics About Gender Equality: Religion

• Gender aspects of Christian virtue and purity in the Bible.
• What does the equality of men and women look like from the perspective of Christianity? Can a woman be a pastor?
• Orthodox Judaism: Women and the transformation of their roles in a religious institute. Describe the change in women’s roles in modern Judaism.
• How can secularism help solve the problem of gender inequality in religious societies?
• Is the problem of gender inequality more serious in religious societies?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics About Gender Equality

• Compare and contrast the problems men and women experience in managerial positions.
• Compare and contrast what progress has been made on gender equality in the USA and Sweden.
• Compare and contrast the social status of women in ancient Athens and Sparta.
• Conduct a sociological analysis of gender asymmetry in various languages. Compare and contrast the ways of assigning gender in two different languages.
• Compare and contrast the portrayal of female characters in 1960s Hollywood films and in modern cinematography (pick two movies). What has changed?

Gender Equality Topics: Definitions

• Define the term “misandry.” What is the difference between feminism and misandry?
• Define the term “feminology.” How do feminologists help to break down prejudice about the gender role of women?
• Define the term “catcalling.” How is catcalling related to the issue of gender inequality?
• Define the term “femvertising.” How does this advertising phenomenon contribute to the resolution of the gender inequality issue?
• Define the term “misogyny.” What is the difference between “misogyny” and “sexism”?

Gender Equality Essay Ideas: History

• The roles of the mother and father through history.
• Define the most influential event in the history of the feminist movement.
• What ancient societies preached matriarchy?
• How did World War II change the attitude toward women in society?
• Woman and society in the philosophy of feminism of the second wave. Think on works of Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan and define what ideas provoked the second wave.

Essay Topics About Gender Equality in Education

• How do gender stereotypes influence the choice of major among high school students?
• Discuss the problems of female education in the interpretation of Mary Wollstonecraft. Reflect on the thoughts of Mary Wollstonecraft on gender equality and why women should be treated equally to men.
• Self-determination of women in professions: Modern contradictions. Describe the character of a woman’s self-determination as a professional in today’s society.
• Should gender and racial equality be taught in elementary school?
• Will sex education at schools contribute to the development of gender equality?

Gender Equality Topics: Sex and Childbirth

• Sexual violence in conflict situations: The problem of victimization of women.
• The portrayal of menstruation and childbirth in media: Now versus twenty years ago.
• How will the resolution of the gender inequality issue decrease the rate of sexual abuse toward women?
• The attitude toward menstruation in different societies and how it influences the issue of gender equality.
• How does the advertising of sexual character aggravate the problem of gender inequality?
• Should advertising that uses sexual allusion be regulated by the government?
• How has the appearance of various affordable birth control methods contributed to the establishment of gender equality in modern society?
• Do men have the right to give up their parental duties if women refuse to have an abortion?
• Can the child be raised without the influence of gender stereotypes in modern society?
• Did the sexual revolution in the 1960s help the feminist movement?

How do you like our gender equality topics? We’ve tried to make them special for you. When you pick one of these topics, you should start your research. We recommend you to check the books we’ve listed below.

Non-Fiction Books and Articles on Gender Equality Topics

• Beecher, C. “The Peculiar Responsibilities of American Women.”
• Connell, R. (2011). “Confronting Equality: Gender, Knowledge and Global Change.”
• Doris H. Gray. (2013). “Beyond Feminism and Islamism: Gender and Equality in North Africa.”
• Inglehart Ronald, Norris Pippa. (2003). “Rising Tide: Gender Equality and Cultural Change Around the World.”
• Mary Ann Danowitz Sagaria. (2007). “Women, Universities, and Change: Gender Equality in the European Union and the United States (Issues in Higher Education).”
• Merrill, R. (1997). “Good News for Women: A Biblical Picture of Gender Equality.”
• Mir-Hosseini, Z. (2013). “Gender and Equality in Muslim Family Law: Justice and Ethics in the Islamic Legal Process.”
• Raymond F. Gregory. (2003). “Women and Workplace Discrimination: Overcoming Barriers to Gender Equality.”
• Rubery, J., & Koukiadaki, A. (2016). “Closing the Gender Pay Gap: A Review of the Issues, Policy Mechanisms and International Evidence.”
• Sharma, A. (2016). “Managing Diversity and Equality in the Workplace.”
• Sika, N. (2011). “The Millennium Development Goals: Prospects for Gender Equality in the Arab World.”
• Stamarski, C. S., & Son Hing, L. S. (2015). “Gender Inequalities in the Workplace: The Effects of Organizational Structures, Processes, Practices, and Decision Makers’ Sexism.”
• Verniers, C., & Vala, J. (2018). “Justifying Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: The Mediating Role of Motherhood Myths.”
• Williams, C. L., & Dellinger, K. (2010). “Gender and Sexuality in the Workplace.”

Literary Works for Your Gender Equality Essay Ideas

• “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen
• “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf
• “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy
• “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
• “ The Awakening” by Kate Chopin
• “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
• “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
• “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir

We’re sure that with all of these argumentative essay topics about gender equality and useful sources, you’ll get a good grade without much effort! If you have any difficulties with your homework, request “ write my essay for cheap ” help and  our expert writers are always ready to help you.

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GP Model Essays – Gender Inequality

Are you looking for quality JC H1 General Paper model essays on Gender Inequality ? Have you been searching for good full length and complete samples answers, but cannot find any? We understand, and that’s why we wrote these few complete answers for you, even with meaningful and useable quotes to use. As you start using the following model essay examples for your upcoming Promos exams, or your eventual Cambridge – UCLES  – SEAB GCE ‘A” level examinations (Syllabus: 8807), as to serve the GP theme of Social Issues , Work , Women, Family, etc, question types.

The following are several full length model essay samples for this GP topic of gender inequality, for your perusal. Bookmark this page on your browser, so that you can return to us at AceSpecialistHub.com easily.

Q1: Examine whether “the weaker sex” is an appropriate description of women today?

The weaker sex can be defined as the sex that is less independent, less able to look after themselves and makes less of a contribution to the society than the dominant sex. In the past, men were looked upon as the dominant sex and thus they have always had many advantages over women, especially since traditional beliefs depict women as being weaker. Even today, women are still seen as the weaker sex, in the physical, psychological, economical and political aspects.

Research in biological science has testified that women are born with more fat than muscles. Hence, women are physically less strong than men, with female weightlifters and samsui women being possible exceptions. In a sense, therefore, women lose out to men in jobs that re quire physical strength since they are less capable of doing strenuous work. Moreover, nature has it that women are the ones to give birth, and during the gestation period of nine months, women experience general discomfort and tire easily. This may in turn affect their work performance. In addition, women have to suffer pain during child bearing and they usually have to rest for a few days after child-birth before they are fit enough to work again. Of course, this could mean that women can endure pain much better than men. However, modern women often rely on medicine (painkillers) during child-birth and many prefer to have an operation instead of having the baby delivered naturally, so in actual fact, they do not have to endure much pain. Another aspect of the physical weak ness of women is that, except in Israel, women are not required to do National Service, thus leading people to think that women are physically less strong than men. Female weightlifters have proven that women can be as strong as men through training but few women are willing to give up their feminine image for a muscular body. (Such an area of gender equality is scary…)

Besides being physically weaker than men, women are also psychologically weaker than men. Women are generally more sensitive and softer hearted than men. Hence, they may tend to mix feelings with work. As a result, women may lose out in business as they tend to sympathize with others too much. No doubt, there are women who are skilful in business but they are a minority and most of them are under a glass ceiling at work as they are considered the weaker sex and men are generally unable to accept female superiors. The fact that women give in to their emotions more readily has thus become a perceived setback to women’s careers. Another psychological weakness of women is that they are more prone to depression. Moreover, women have a higher suicide rate than men. Women are better at establishing good relationships with others and this may help in their work but on the whole, women are still the weaker sex in a psychological sense.

Tradition has it that women do not have to work. Even today, this idea is deep-rooted in many people’s minds and therefore fewer women than men work and thus women make a smaller economic contribution to the country and to their families. In the Third World countries, women usually work for more hours than men but despite this fact, they are still seen as the weaker sex as they are paid very little for their work, that is, if they are paid at all. In certain countries such as India, traditional marriage customs have it that the woman’s family has to pay a huge dowry to the husband for the husband to take care of the wife, indicating that the wife is incapable of taking care of herself. In other countries such as European countries, should a marriage end in divorce, the husband is often required to pay alimony to the wife as it is thought that the wife may be unable to survive independently. For centuries, husbands were the breadwinners. Today, even though more women are going out to work, the wives still get allowances from their husbands, who felt that it is their responsibility to provide for their wives, who are the weaker sex. (As of 2021, here are the top 10 female CEOs in the world)

In the past, women were not allowed to participate in politics as they were considered incapable of handling such matters. Even today, far fewer women are active in politics than men. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is one of the few. In Singapore, there is only one female member in the parliament (that has change since. Halimah was sworn in on 14 September 2017 as the 8th President at The Istana.) Much of this situation can be attributed to the sensitive and emotional nature of women which renders them less suitable candidates for politics as they are more prone to mix feelings with work. On the other hand, however, women are more caring and have keener minds which allows them to observe an issue from many different points of view and thus to make better decisions on the best action to take. However, even though women have this advantage, not many women are willing to go into politics and also few people, especially men, are able to accept female leaders. As such, women are the weaker sex. (The fresher examples are Kamala Devi Harris, an American politician and attorney who is the 49th and current vice president of the United States.) (Some examples of political issues in Comprehensions questions here)

In conclusion, women can be seen to be weaker than men in physical, psychological, economic and political aspects. It can also be seen that men have more advantages over women than women have over men and this is further reinforced by traditional attitudes (that women are weaker) which are still deep-rooted in most societies. (This topic on Inequality in Gender is definitely a repeated trends question . Look out for it.)

Q2: Women today are better off than those in the past.’ Discuss.

COMMENTS Weakness:

1. One-sided treatment of the topic. Candidates sim ply agreed with the question without analysing it. They discussed only the positive aspects of the modern women’s life. There was no mention whatsoever of how possibly modern women can be considered worse off than women in the past.

2. Over-generalization. E.g. giving a description of the improvements in the lot of women in an urbanised / developed setting, and generalizing from this that all women today are thus better off.

3. Limited scope of discussion. A number of GP students limited their scope of discussion to Singapore, whether consciously made of the conditions in other countries like China, Japan. No mention was pan-America etc. to add a geographical dimension to their discussion.

4. Wrong focus. There were cases where: (a) the focus was on comparison between men and women (instead of between women in the past and present),

(b) candidates were preoccupied with providing a long discussion on discrimination that still exists against women, without relating it to the question.

5. Lack of clear organization. Skipping back and forth from the past to the present in a very confusing manner, with no overall cohesion.

6. Lack of development of ideas. Some candidates merely listed ideas. This could be due to either lack of time or knowledge.

7. Sweeping and exaggerated remarks. E.g. ‘Society no longer discriminates against women.’ ‘Women in the past did not have to worry about anything except their children and husbands.”

Strengths: 1. The better candidates did present both sides of the picture and cited good examples to support their statements.

2. A few candidates were able to offer critical insights into the situation of women today. They saw the irony of career-women in Singapore employing Filipino/Sri Lankan maids and treating them in the same way their mothers or grandmothers were once treated, i.e. ‘slaves” with a low status, with little or no freedom. Thus these employers seem to have perpetuated the discrimination against women themselves the lot of women in general has therefore not improved.

SUGGESTED APPROACH A. Yes, women today are better off than those in the past in certain areas marriage, education, politics etc. Several movements over the years (suffragette movement, Women’s Liberation Movement) as well as general changes, have brought about improvements in women’s social, political and personal standing in life.

Laws exist to protect their rights..

Chiefly seen in more developed parts of the world.

Specific areas of discussion: E.g.: 1. Marriage.

(a) In developed countries today, women have the freedom: (i) to choose to remain single or to get married, (ii) to choose their own life partner (as against arranged marriages in the past) (iii) to go out to work after marriage (as against being compelled to being a full-time home maker).

(b) Polygamy is out and monogamy in, in most mod ern societies.

(c) The modern woman also enjoys legal rights like the right to file for separation/divorce. Thus she does not have to remain trapped in an unhappy. marriage.

(d) Widows can and do remarry without having to fear the wrath of society.

2. Education, employment and social status. Modern women, in developed countries especially, have the opportunity to be educated up to the tertiary level. They have earning power and are thus financially independent. Their social status is enhanced, especially in the case of those who are successful in climbing up the corporate ladder.

3. A higher standard of living. E.g.: (a) Modern home appliances like the washing ma chine and the dish-washer have made housework easier for the modern housewife in developed countries. She thus can have more time for leisure. (b) Medical advancement has made childbirth safer. Family planning allows the modern woman to determine the size of her family.

4. Politics. (a) Modern women have the right to vote and thus do have a say in how their country is governed. (b) A few women have made history by becoming Prime Minister (e.g. Margaret Thatcher) or President (e.g. Mrs Aquino), Halimah Yacob and Kamala Harris in recent times.

(c) Oxford-educated Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1991 in recognition of her ef forts in fighting for democracy in her country. Myanmar.

B. Women today may not be better off than women in the past. 1. In developed countries/urbanised societies: e.g. (a) Pressure/stress. The modern working mother leads a stressful life in trying to be a good wife / mother as well as a competent career mother. (b) (i) Discrimination against women still exists today, even in the developed countries. (ii) Stereotyping. E.g. Modern advertisements. that depict women as sex objects / bimbos.

2. In the more backward, conservative/traditional cultures:

Poor quality of life/low social status. e.g. (i) India. Parents still prefer sons to daughters. Arranged marriages are still quite common. Cases of bride-burning by husbands unhappy over dowry payments have often been re ported in the newspapers.

(ii) China. Pregnant women, especially in the rural areas, have been forced to undergo abortion by officers keen to uphold China’s “one-child family’ policy.

Expect more GP model essays for Gender Inequality topic , as this is definitely a Repeated Trends question. (Alternatively, you can read the related pages for family, social issues, children, etc.)

Happy revision!

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GP Model Essays – Sports

by ASH | Aug 10, 2021 | GP Essay

Have you been looking for good General Paper sample essays on the topic of Sports? Still need help to craft an answer that is at least 36 out of 50 marks? See more of our model Sports essay examples here.   Q1: Why do countries place so much emphasis on sport?...

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What does gender equality look like today?

Date: Wednesday, 6 October 2021

Progress towards gender equality is looking bleak. But it doesn’t need to.

A new global analysis of progress on gender equality and women’s rights shows women and girls remain disproportionately affected by the socioeconomic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, struggling with disproportionately high job and livelihood losses, education disruptions and increased burdens of unpaid care work. Women’s health services, poorly funded even before the pandemic, faced major disruptions, undermining women’s sexual and reproductive health. And despite women’s central role in responding to COVID-19, including as front-line health workers, they are still largely bypassed for leadership positions they deserve.

UN Women’s latest report, together with UN DESA, Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2021 presents the latest data on gender equality across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The report highlights the progress made since 2015 but also the continued alarm over the COVID-19 pandemic, its immediate effect on women’s well-being and the threat it poses to future generations.

We’re breaking down some of the findings from the report, and calling for the action needed to accelerate progress.

The pandemic is making matters worse

One and a half years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, the toll on the poorest and most vulnerable people remains devastating and disproportionate. The combined impact of conflict, extreme weather events and COVID-19 has deprived women and girls of even basic needs such as food security. Without urgent action to stem rising poverty, hunger and inequality, especially in countries affected by conflict and other acute forms of crisis, millions will continue to suffer.

A global goal by global goal reality check:

Goal 1. Poverty

In 2021, extreme poverty is on the rise and progress towards its elimination has reversed. An estimated 435 million women and girls globally are living in extreme poverty.

And yet we can change this .

Over 150 million women and girls could emerge from poverty by 2030 if governments implement a comprehensive strategy to improve access to education and family planning, achieve equal wages and extend social transfers.

Goal 2. Zero hunger

The global gender gap in food security has risen dramatically during the pandemic, with more women and girls going hungry. Women’s food insecurity levels were 10 per cent higher than men’s in 2020, compared with 6 per cent higher in 2019.

This trend can be reversed , including by supporting women small-scale producers, who typically earn far less than men, through increased funding, training and land rights reforms.

Goal 3. Good health and well-being

Disruptions in essential health services due to COVID-19 are taking a tragic toll on women and girls. In the first year of the pandemic, there were an estimated 1.4 million additional unintended pregnancies in lower and middle-income countries.

We need to do better .

Response to the pandemic must include prioritizing sexual and reproductive health services, ensuring they continue to operate safely now and after the pandemic is long over. In addition, more support is needed to ensure life-saving personal protection equipment, tests, oxygen and especially vaccines are available in rich and poor countries alike as well as to vulnerable population within countries.

Goal 4. Quality education

A year and a half into the pandemic, schools remain partially or fully closed in 42 per cent of the world’s countries and territories. School closures spell lost opportunities for girls and an increased risk of violence, exploitation and early marriage .

Governments can do more to protect girls education .

Measures focused specifically on supporting girls returning to school are urgently needed, including measures focused on girls from marginalized communities who are most at risk.

Goal 5. Gender equality

The pandemic has tested and even reversed progress in expanding women’s rights and opportunities. Reports of violence against women and girls, a “shadow” pandemic to COVID-19, are increasing in many parts of the world. COVID-19 is also intensifying women’s workload at home, forcing many to leave the labour force altogether.

Building forward differently and better will hinge on placing women and girls at the centre of all aspects of response and recovery, including through gender-responsive laws, policies and budgeting.

Goal 6. Clean water and sanitation

In 2018, nearly 2.3 billion people lived in water-stressed countries. Without safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities, women and girls find it harder to lead safe, productive and healthy lives.

Change is possible .

Involve those most impacted in water management processes, including women. Women’s voices are often missing in water management processes. 

Goal 7. Affordable and clean energy

Increased demand for clean energy and low-carbon solutions is driving an unprecedented transformation of the energy sector. But women are being left out. Women hold only 32 per cent of renewable energy jobs.

We can do better .

Expose girls early on to STEM education, provide training and support to women entering the energy field, close the pay gap and increase women’s leadership in the energy sector.

Goal 8. Decent work and economic growth

The number of employed women declined by 54 million in 2020 and 45 million women left the labour market altogether. Women have suffered steeper job losses than men, along with increased unpaid care burdens at home.

We must do more to support women in the workforce .

Guarantee decent work for all, introduce labour laws/reforms, removing legal barriers for married women entering the workforce, support access to affordable/quality childcare.

Goal 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

The COVID-19 crisis has spurred striking achievements in medical research and innovation. Women’s contribution has been profound. But still only a little over a third of graduates in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics field are female.

We can take action today.

 Quotas mandating that a proportion of research grants are awarded to women-led teams or teams that include women is one concrete way to support women researchers. 

Goal 10. Reduced inequalities

Limited progress for women is being eroded by the pandemic. Women facing multiple forms of discrimination, including women and girls with disabilities, migrant women, women discriminated against because of their race/ethnicity are especially affected.

Commit to end racism and discrimination in all its forms, invest in inclusive, universal, gender responsive social protection systems that support all women. 

Goal 11. Sustainable cities and communities

Globally, more than 1 billion people live in informal settlements and slums. Women and girls, often overrepresented in these densely populated areas, suffer from lack of access to basic water and sanitation, health care and transportation.

The needs of urban poor women must be prioritized .

Increase the provision of durable and adequate housing and equitable access to land; included women in urban planning and development processes.

Goal 12. Sustainable consumption and production; Goal 13. Climate action; Goal 14. Life below water; and Goal 15. Life on land

Women activists, scientists and researchers are working hard to solve the climate crisis but often without the same platforms as men to share their knowledge and skills. Only 29 per cent of featured speakers at international ocean science conferences are women.

 And yet we can change this .

Ensure women activists, scientists and researchers have equal voice, representation and access to forums where these issues are being discussed and debated. 

Goal 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

The lack of women in decision-making limits the reach and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergency recovery efforts. In conflict-affected countries, 18.9 per cent of parliamentary seats are held by women, much lower than the global average of 25.6 per cent.

This is unacceptable .

It's time for women to have an equal share of power and decision-making at all levels.

Goal 17. Global partnerships for the goals

There are just 9 years left to achieve the Global Goals by 2030, and gender equality cuts across all 17 of them. With COVID-19 slowing progress on women's rights, the time to act is now.

Looking ahead

As it stands today, only one indicator under the global goal for gender equality (SDG5) is ‘close to target’: proportion of seats held by women in local government. In other areas critical to women’s empowerment, equality in time spent on unpaid care and domestic work and decision making regarding sexual and reproductive health the world is far from target. Without a bold commitment to accelerate progress, the global community will fail to achieve gender equality. Building forward differently and better will require placing women and girls at the centre of all aspects of response and recovery, including through gender-responsive laws, policies and budgeting.

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5 Powerful Essays Advocating for Gender Equality

Gender equality – which becomes reality when all genders are treated fairly and allowed equal opportunities –  is a complicated human rights issue for every country in the world. Recent statistics are sobering. According to the World Economic Forum, it will take 108 years to achieve gender parity . The biggest gaps are found in political empowerment and economics. Also, there are currently just six countries that give women and men equal legal work rights. Generally, women are only given ¾ of the rights given to men. To learn more about how gender equality is measured, how it affects both women and men, and what can be done, here are five essays making a fair point.

Take a free course on Gender Equality offered by top universities!

“Countries With Less Gender Equity Have More Women In STEM — Huh?” – Adam Mastroianni and Dakota McCoy

This essay from two Harvard PhD candidates (Mastroianni in psychology and McCoy in biology) takes a closer look at a recent study that showed that in countries with lower gender equity, more women are in STEM. The study’s researchers suggested that this is because women are actually especially interested in STEM fields, and because they are given more choice in Western countries, they go with different careers. Mastroianni and McCoy disagree.

They argue the research actually shows that cultural attitudes and discrimination are impacting women’s interests, and that bias and discrimination is present even in countries with better gender equality. The problem may lie in the Gender Gap Index (GGI), which tracks factors like wage disparity and government representation. To learn why there’s more women in STEM from countries with less gender equality, a more nuanced and complex approach is needed.

“Men’s health is better, too, in countries with more gender equality” – Liz Plank

When it comes to discussions about gender equality, it isn’t uncommon for someone in the room to say, “What about the men?” Achieving gender equality has been difficult because of the underlying belief that giving women more rights and freedom somehow takes rights away from men. The reality, however, is that gender equality is good for everyone. In Liz Plank’s essay, which is an adaption from her book For the Love of Men: A Vision for Mindful Masculinity, she explores how in Iceland, the #1 ranked country for gender equality, men live longer. Plank lays out the research for why this is, revealing that men who hold “traditional” ideas about masculinity are more likely to die by suicide and suffer worse health. Anxiety about being the only financial provider plays a big role in this, so in countries where women are allowed education and equal earning power, men don’t shoulder the burden alone.

Liz Plank is an author and award-winning journalist with Vox, where she works as a senior producer and political correspondent. In 2015, Forbes named her one of their “30 Under 30” in the Media category. She’s focused on feminist issues throughout her career.

“China’s #MeToo Moment” –  Jiayang Fan

Some of the most visible examples of gender inequality and discrimination comes from “Me Too” stories. Women are coming forward in huge numbers relating how they’ve been harassed and abused by men who have power over them. Most of the time, established systems protect these men from accountability. In this article from Jiayang Fan, a New Yorker staff writer, we get a look at what’s happening in China.

The essay opens with a story from a PhD student inspired by the United States’ Me Too movement to open up about her experience with an academic adviser. Her story led to more accusations against the adviser, and he was eventually dismissed. This is a rare victory, because as Fan says, China employs a more rigid system of patriarchy and hierarchy. There aren’t clear definitions or laws surrounding sexual harassment. Activists are charting unfamiliar territory, which this essay explores.

“Men built this system. No wonder gender equality remains as far off as ever.” – Ellie Mae O’Hagan

Freelance journalist Ellie Mae O’Hagan (whose book The New Normal is scheduled for a May 2020 release) is discouraged that gender equality is so many years away. She argues that it’s because the global system of power at its core is broken.  Even when women are in power, which is proportionally rare on a global scale, they deal with a system built by the patriarchy. O’Hagan’s essay lays out ideas for how to fix what’s fundamentally flawed, so gender equality can become a reality.

Ideas include investing in welfare; reducing gender-based violence (which is mostly men committing violence against women); and strengthening trade unions and improving work conditions. With a system that’s not designed to put women down, the world can finally achieve gender equality.

“Invisibility of Race in Gender Pay Gap Discussions” – Bonnie Chu

The gender pay gap has been a pressing issue for many years in the United States, but most discussions miss the factor of race. In this concise essay, Senior Contributor Bonnie Chu examines the reality, writing that within the gender pay gap, there’s other gaps when it comes to black, Native American, and Latina women. Asian-American women, on the other hand, are paid 85 cents for every dollar. This data is extremely important and should be present in discussions about the gender pay gap. It reminds us that when it comes to gender equality, there’s other factors at play, like racism.

Bonnie Chu is a gender equality advocate and a Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur. She’s the founder and CEO of Lensational, which empowers women through photography, and the Managing Director of The Social Investment Consultancy.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Social Inequality — Gender Equality

Essays on Gender Equality

Gender equality essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: striving for gender equality: challenges, progress, and future perspectives.

Thesis Statement: This essay explores the global journey toward achieving gender equality, examining the persistent challenges, the significant progress made, and the potential future directions for advancing the cause of gender equality in all aspects of life.

• Introduction
• The Gender Equality Agenda: Goals and Key Principles
• Obstacles to Equality: Discrimination, Stereotypes, and Institutional Barriers
• Progress in Education and the Workforce: Breaking Down Gender Norms
• Gender-Based Violence: Combating Domestic Violence and Harassment
• Global Initiatives: UN Sustainable Development Goals and International Agreements
• Empowering Women: Leadership, Political Participation, and Economic Empowerment
• Future Prospects: Technology, Education, and the Role of Men in Promoting Equality
• Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle and Hope for a Gender-Equal World

Essay Title 2: The Intersection of Gender and Social Justice: Exploring the Interconnected Struggles

Thesis Statement: This essay delves into the intersectionality of gender and social justice, examining how gender inequality intersects with other forms of discrimination and how addressing these interconnected struggles is crucial for achieving a more just and equitable society.

• Understanding Intersectionality: Overlapping Forms of Discrimination
• Race and Gender: The Experiences of Women of Color
• Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and the Wealth Gap
• Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusion
• Disability and Gender: Challenges Faced by Disabled Individuals
• Intersectional Activism: Movements and Advocacy for Equity
• Building Inclusive Communities: Strategies for a More Just Society
• Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Intersectional Approaches to Gender Equality

Essay Title 3: Gender Equality in the Workplace: Breaking Down Barriers and Promoting Inclusivity

Thesis Statement: This essay focuses on the realm of the workplace, addressing the challenges women face in achieving gender equality, examining diversity and inclusion initiatives, and highlighting the benefits of gender-balanced organizations.

• The Gender Wage Gap: Causes, Consequences, and Progress
• Workplace Discrimination: Stereotypes, Bias, and Microaggressions
• Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Achieving Parity
• Diversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Creating Gender-Equal Workplaces
• Legal Protections: Labor Laws and Policies to Address Gender Discrimination
• Corporate Responsibility: The Role of Businesses in Advancing Equality
• Measuring Success: Metrics for Gender Equality in the Workplace
• Conclusion: The Imperative of Gender Equality in the Professional World

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Gender equality, also known as sexual equality or equality of the sexes, is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making; and the state of valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender.

In 2015 there were only 21 female heads of state in the entire world. Over 150 countries have at least one actively sexist law. In most countries, women only earn between 60 and 75% of men’s wages - for the same work. There are approximately 781 million illiterate adults worldwide – two-thirds of whom are women.

1. Gupta, G. R., Oomman, N., Grown, C., Conn, K., Hawkes, S., Shawar, Y. R., ... & Darmstadt, G. L. (2019). Gender equality and gender norms: framing the opportunities for health. The Lancet, 393(10190), 2550-2562. (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)30651-8/fulltext) 2. Inglehart, R., Norris, P., & Welzel, C. (2003). Gender equality and democracy. In Human values and social change (pp. 91-115). Brill. (https://brill.com/display/book/9789047404361/B9789047404361_s007.xml) 3. Pascall, G., & Lewis, J. (2004). Emerging gender regimes and policies for gender equality in a wider Europe. Journal of social policy, 33(3), 373-394. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-social-policy/article/abs/emerging-gender-regimes-and-policies-for-gender-equality-in-a-wider-europe/620412A9D1716CC48259C59F9BA95364) 4. Walby, S. (2004). The European Union and gender equality: Emergent varieties of gender regime. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society, 11(1), 4-29. (https://academic.oup.com/sp/article-abstract/11/1/4/1654404) 5. Carli, L. L. (2020). Women, gender equality and COVID-19. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 35(7/8), 647-655. (https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/GM-07-2020-0236/full/html) 6. Kabeer, N., & Natali, L. (2013). Gender equality and economic growth: Is there a win‐win?. IDS Working Papers, 2013(417), 1-58. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2040-0209.2013.00417.x) 7. Falk, A., & Hermle, J. (2018). Relationship of gender differences in preferences to economic development and gender equality. Science, 362(6412), eaas9899. (https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.aas9899) 8. Breda, T., Jouini, E., Napp, C., & Thebault, G. (2020). Gender stereotypes can explain the gender-equality paradox. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(49), 31063-31069. (https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2008704117) 9. David, M. E. (2015). Women and gender equality in higher education?. Education Sciences, 5(1), 10-25. (https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/5/1/10)

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2023 GP Prelim Essay Questions Paper 1

• Given the rising global demand for food, is it possible for us to safeguard the environment?
• Hard work is the key to success. Discuss in relation to your society. 
• In times of emergencies, governments should have complete control over people's rights. Do you agree?
• Should there be a limit on the amount of wealth an individual can accumulate?
• Is bigger always better in today's world?
• Not enough is being done for people with disabilities in your society. Discuss.
• How far is an understanding of history important in tackling major conflicts of today?
• To what extent is the development of gene technology acceptable?
• The media today focuses more on the trivial rather than what is important. Discuss.
• To what extent has globalisation had a negative impact on traditional art forms?
• To what extent is authenticity valuable today?
• Assess the claim that the death penalty no longer has a place in modern society.
• To what extent does ecotourism encourage environmental conservation?
• 'The greatness of a nation can be judged by how it treats its weakest members.' To what extent is this true?
• Consider the view that artists are undervalued in our modern society.
• Assess the view that women are not as successful as men in the scientific field.
• To what extent are rules and regulations desirable?
• 'Do only what is right. Is this good advice? 
• In old age, should parents rely on themselves or their children?
• Should the government intervene in the personal decisions of people in your society?
• Should limits be placed on the development of artificial intelligence?
• 'Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.' Examine the claim that there can only be benefits from facing challenging circumstances.
• Examine the claim that the world is too competitive today.
• Do social media platforms facilitate or hinder constructive dialogue in your society?
• Is it wise for individuals and nations to stop at nothing to achieve sporting excellence?
• Should all works of art be valued equally?
• How far are countries today borrowing from the future?
• 'Without knowing our history, we are lost'. With reference to your society, to what extent would you agree witht this statement?
• 'With growing global instability, self-sufficiency is crucial for any country.' Discuss.
• How far is technology the answer to environmental problems?
• Consider the view that today's parents are overprotective of their children
• 'Foreign aid is never truly charitable.' How far do you agree?
• 'Tourism today is nothing but exploitation.' Do you agree?
• 'The youth in Singapore face a bleak future.' Comment.
• Should the private lives of political figures matter?
• 'Compassion, more than resilience, is what we need.' To what extent is this true of your society?
• Consider the view that technology today is helpful to teaching but harmful to learning.
• ‘The media should give what people want and not what they need.’ Do you agree?
• Does anger ever settle anything?
• Should art be bought and sold like any other goods?
• ‘International efforts to solve conflicts are doomed to fail.’ Discuss.
• ‘So close yet so far.’ Is this the outcome of our efforts to address climate change?
• Is fair play still possible in sport today?
• Is wealth the best measure of a nation’s success?
• ‘Foreigners do not see the country the citizens know.’ How far is this true of your society?
• ‘Science is too complicated for most people to be truly interested in it.’ Do you agree?
• Is diversity seen as a threat or opportunity in your society?
• Is having a sense of wonder still possible in today’s world?
• To what extent is curiosity becoming increasingly important?
• How necessary is it to care about international affairs in the face of hardship in one's country?
• Assess the view that an individual's attempt to bring about real sọcietal change can never be effective.
• In your society, can preserving traditions and pursuing progress be reconciled?
• ‘The primary responsibility for personal well-being should lie with the individual rather than the state.' Discuss.
• ‘Privacy is only a concern for those who have something to hide.' To what extent is this true?
• Can the arts teach us anything meaningful about the real world?
• ‘Major sporting events today are mainly about commercial profits.' How far do you agree?
• Technological innovations should be driven by the needs of the masses, not the desires of the rich.' To what extent do you agree?
• Consider the view that travel is a desirable but frivolous pursuit.
• Should people in your society be encouraged to take more risks?
• To what extent is it fair to expect public figures to be good role models?
• Do you agree that parents have a difficult job today?
• ‘There is nothing to fear about growing old.’ Is this true in your society?
• Are the latest scientific findings or technological inventions a cause for concern?
• ‘Revolution can only be a good thing.’ Comment.
• ‘Looking for advice and friendship in the wrong places.’ Is this how young people today use social media?
• ‘Wherever power and wealth are at stake, there will be corruption.’ Comment.
• To what extent have we gone too far with environmental activism?
• How far is personal well-being valued in your society?
• ‘Reading offers solutions to the pressing problems in the world.’ Do you agree?
• ‘A society that tells its artists what they cannot do short-changes itself.’ Discuss.
• Should we always right a wrong when we see it?
• Is there still a place for marriage in today’s world?
• ‘The demise of the cinema is inevitable'. Discuss
• Efficiency is what matters most at the workplace.' Comment.
• Consider the view that social media has too much influence over society today.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international efforts in addressing global challenges
• Is cultural diversity a threat or an asset to society?
• ‘Collaborations between governments and businesses will always lead to conflicts of interest.' Discuss.
• In our pursuit of academic success we have forgotten the true aims of education.' How true is this of your society?
• To what extent is the concept of gender becoming obsolete in today's world?
• Evaluate the claim that some crimes are unpardonable
• ‘Dissenting voices are vital for societal progress." How accurate is this claim in your society?
• ‘Expeditions into the unknown are well worth the risks.' What is your view?
• How far is the digital age a level playing field?
• ‘We expect too much from public figures.’ Discuss.
• ‘The best businesses are those which make the most profit.’ Discuss.
• To what extent is technological innovation desirable?
• ‘Life for the young today has never been better.’ To what extent is this true?
• Assess the impact of popular media on the culture of your society.
• ‘Schools should discourage rather than promote conformity.’ How far do you agree?
• How far can individual countries effectively tackle climate change issues?
• To what extent is the study of local history more important than world history?
• Should private companies be involved in the financing of scientific research?
• How far is self-sufficiency a realistic goal in your society?
• Given the increasing availability of other energy sources, how necessary is it for countries to continue the use of fossil fuels?
• ‘Happiness has nothing to do with income.’ Do you agree?
• Do technological advancements today truly help people to achieve their dreams?
• To what extent should your society focus on happiness rather than prosperity?
• ‘Popular sports are a threat to traditional sports.’ Do you agree?
• ‘We should stop reading the news.’ Do you agree?
• ‘Forgive, but not forget.’ Is this good advice for societies today?
• ‘Today’s political leaders are only interested in holding on to power.’ Do you agree?
• ‘The key reason for conserving a culture is its commercial value.’ How far is this true of your society?
• ‘Too little is being done to hold businesses accountable for the problems they have created.’ How far do you agree?
• How far can language solve the problem of discrimination?
• ‘The global climate crisis can only be solved through the efforts of developed nations.’ Comment.
• ‘A society is less stable when its people are religious.’ Do you agree?
• To what extent can we trust scientific research that is privately funded?
• Examine the claim that true education only happens outside the classroom.
• 'Those who control technology control the world today.' How far do you agree?
• “To be ready for war is to preserve peace.” Is this good advice for political leaders?
• To what extent has sport made a positive impact on gender equality?
• Discuss the view that all countries have equal responsibility to protect the environment.
• "City living is increasingly isolating.' Is this a fair comment?
• To what extent are games a waste of time?
• Social media encourages one to speak loudly, not wisely.' Comment.
• 'Children grow up too fast today.' How true is this of your society?
• We should pay more attention to the victim than the criminal." Do you agree?
• Do museums still have value in today's world?
• Given their often controversial behaviour, should we continue to idolise celebrities?
• City living is no longer attractive in the world today.' Discuss.
• The world would be a better place if everyone spoke the same language.' Do you agree?
• Should governments involve themselves in matters related to religion?
• Consider the role of social media in shaping political opinion.
• To what extent do the Arts contribute to the Singaporean identity?
• "Formal education is less valuable today than it was in the past.' What is your view?
• 'The solution to climate change is not to be found in technology but by having a simpler lifestyle.' How far do you agree?
• How successfully has your society balanced the needs of the state against those of the individual?
• ‘Traditional beliefs have little value in the modern world.' Discuss.
• Consider the value of humour.
• Is a thriving economy the best measure of a good government?
• ‘Winning at sport is due to wealth, rather than talent.' Comment.
• 'Rest is for the weak'. Discuss.
• "Corporations, rather than governments, shape the world.' To what extent do you agree with this view?
• ‘Storybooks exist only to keep children entertained. Discuss. 
• Should countries be obliged to help other countries when their own citizens are facing problems?
• 'Invisible people living invisible lives.’ How true is this of the world today?
• ‘Morality and politics can never co-exist.' What is your view?
• To what extent are the arts and the sciences valued equally in your society?
• Can world hunger ever be eliminated?
• Does your society do enough to help people live with dignity?
• To what extent can unity be forged in an increasingly polarised world?
• Consider the view that we have merely been paying lip service to the lessons that history teaches us.
• ‘It is too easy to stir up fear today.' How far do you agree?
• Embracing risks is essential to achieving success in today's world." To what extent is this true?
• ‘Contemporary music contributes nothing of value to society.' How far do you agree?
• Consider the view that a plant-based diet is the only ethical way to eat.
• Education liberates.' Discuss.
• Has social media made political participation and activism too superficial?
• To what extent is the globalisation of culture overrated?
• "Every man for himself.' To what extent does this describe your society?
• Should bigger states involve themselves in the affairs of other countries?
• Can any society ever be truly harmonious?
• Should people be allowed to artificially enhance their bodies for non-medical reasons?
• 'There needs to be greater transparency in governance.' How true is this of your society?
• 'Corporations, more so than governments, are the key to a sustainable future.' What is your view?
• ‘Despite increased international cooperation, the world is less peaceful today.’ What is your view
• Can the death penalty be justified in the modern world?
• ‘Education has led to greater inequality.’ How far is this true in your society?
• Assess the view that print media is no longer relevant today.
• Discuss the view that all countries have equal responsibility in protecting refugees.
• Assess the extent to which elderly in your society are able to face today's challenges.
• Consider the argument that scientific research should not be limited by ethical considerations.
• ‘Modern technology has made us more vulnerable than ever before.’ Do you agree?
• Are young people today obsessed with achieving fame?
• ‘Being a small country is a good thing as much as a bad thing.’ Comment.
• ‘The state should be largely responsible for environmental protection today.’ Do you agree?
• Examine the claim that fantasy fiction is engaging, but meaningless.
• “Traditions have no value in a modern world.” What is your view?
• Do we still need physical shops when everything can be bought online?
• Consider the view that working from home is the answer to work-life balance problems?
• “Environmental conservation is a losing battle.” Discuss.
• Is a university degree still necessary today?
• How justifiable is it for governments to monitor their citizens?
• “Caring for the elderly is the sole responsibility of the family.” How true is this of your society?
• Too many people are famous for the wrong reasons today.” Is this a fair comment?
• Do you agree that religion merely stands in the way of scientific advancement?
• To what extent does social class determine an individual’s success in your society?
• How relevant is loyalty today?
• Examine the claim that change is always better.
• 'Governments today need to work harder to gain the support of their people. Do you agree?
• Should there be greater involvement of women in decision-making?
• Is healthcare in your society easily accessible for everyone?
• "Modern technology is more of a benefit than a threat to the arts.' Comment.
• To what extent have environmental issues affected food choices of people in your society?
• Is it true that social media present too many temptations for young people?
• Tourists today show little respect for the places they visit.' Is this a fair comment?
• 'Penalties are more effective than incentives in changing people's behaviour.’ Discuss.
• "War is a thing of the past, given how interconnected the world is today.' Do you agree?
• Do cultural practices still have a place in your society?
• Has living in the city become less attractive?
• We should always forgive those who wrong us.' Is this good advice?
• ‘Peace is an unrealistic dream.’ Discuss. 
• ‘The pursuit of medical science has gone too far.’ Do you agree? 
• ‘In a competitive world, only success matters.’ How true is this of your society?
• ‘Instead of uniting society, the media is a polarising force.’ Discuss. 
• To what extent are border controls desirable? 
• ‘Despite having access to extensive information today, we are not any wiser.’ To what extent is this true? 
• ‘Limits should never be set on artistic expression.’ Do you agree? 
• ‘New is always better.’ What is your view? 
• ‘Fashion is nothing more than a frivolous pursuit.’ How far do you agree? 
•  Should tourism be encouraged when it is so damaging to the environment? 
• ‘Youth today are driven by self-centredness rather than societal needs.’ Consider whether this is true in your society. 
• ‘An effective government is one that listens to its citizens.’ How far do you agree?