Gender socialization – an inhibitor of potential in capable poor urban women: a review on capability perspective in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the severe impact on the abilities of urban poor women such as education skills, entrepreneurship qualities, employment skills, creative abilities and social skills, as they face many challenges like inequitable access to work and unacceptable living conditions influenced by an underlying mind-set in the society driven by gender socialization. Though there have been changes in the way we perceive the abilities of urban poor women from being a homemaker to participating in employment and access to education, one cannot deny that discrimination and bias based on gender socialization still exists in the society. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses secondary data through a systematic review where the inclusion criteria were framed on the basis of relevance, credibility and heterogeneity. However, as this is a concept paper, the study is bereft of empirical data. Findings In most cases, the ability and potential of women, such as educational skills, entrepreneurship qualities, employment skills, creative abilities and social skills, go unnoticed or, more often, not taken into consideration. Predominantly influenced by gender roles, not all abilities and skills are associated with women; this kind of labelling process refers to gender socialization. Ongoing in society for a long time to an extent, it has been accepted consciously or subconsciously by men and women. As a result, urban poor women, in particular, are further deprived of their capabilities, directly affecting their personal growth and economic status. Originality/value Poverty affects men, women, boys and girls, but it is experienced differently by people of different ages, ethnicities, family roles and sex. Moreover, due to women’s biology, social and cultural gender roles and culturally constructed subordination, they are labelled with specific roles dictated by various social agents; This labelling process refers to gender socialization. As a result, capable women with untapped skills, abilities and potential to learn, work, earn, play and develop are ignored or suppressed; hence, they go unnoticed, further intensifying poverty among poor urban women.

Psychological and Social Well-Being of the Urban Poor in Malaysia

“…Nonetheless, their findings also highlighted that these issues may be prevented through knowledge sharing and social involvement in community gatherings (Hew et al, 2020). The possible solutions mentioned by the residents indicate that factors of social well-being are essential in Gopal and Sathyanarayanan (2021) reviewed various studies on gender socialization and the capabilities of urban poor women in Malaysia. They highlighted several capabilities that decrease the potential growth and impact urban poor women's abilities such as educational attainment, employability, and social skills.…”

“…They highlighted several capabilities that decrease the potential growth and impact urban poor women's abilities such as educational attainment, employability, and social skills. Focusing on the social capabilities, it was found that urban poor women often have limitations in participating in social activities and interactions due to urban dangers such as sexual violence and fear of violence (Gopal & Sathyanarayanan, 2021). Furthermore, the authors also stated that urban poor women are deprived of adequate education, which can affect their employability.…”