Building on the Theory of the Comfort Zone of Gender Inequality: Analysis of Survey Findings

Abstract

Despite centuries of efforts to end gender inequality (GI), the world is still
not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. No country has achieved
gender parity, and it is not likely that an additional 15 years at the end of
2030 (what can be called “Progressive Sustainable Development Goals –
P-SDGs”) will do the magic by 2045. The World Economic Forum Global
Gender Gap report 2024 made it clear that at the current rate of progress,
full gender parity will not be reached until the year 2158. Based on the
foregoing, the central argument of this paper is that gender inequality has
persisted because it is a comfort zone for men. It is a place where men prefer
to stay because of the benefits to them, regardless of the consequences for
the disadvantaged group (women). Two main research questions, among
other questions, addressed in this paper are: is gender inequality a comfort
zone for men, and if yes, what is your understanding of gender inequality
in line with the comfort zone thesis? Using survey data, this paper builds
on the theory of the comfort zone of gender inequality, which was first
advanced by Osondu-Oti (2024) in an article titled “The Comfort Zone
of Gender Inequality: A Reflection.” Findings from this survey affirm
that gender inequality is a comfort zone for men, especially those with “authoritative power”- the main beneficiaries of gender inequality. In line
with the comfort zone thesis, findings from the survey show that gender
inequality is a rational choice because of men’s fear of losing power and
authority in both private and public domains. Gender inequality also puts
men in an advantageous position where they feel more at ease and in
control, and being that it is familiar terrain, they are reluctant to leave their
comfort zone. It is therefore recommended that more awareness be created
about gender inequality being a comfort zone for “men,” so that advocates
of gender equality, including feminist movements and scholars, can engage
in a stronger push for equality. This is because these men are less likely to
be committed to the struggle for gender equality, since they are in their
“hegemonic palace” with the comfort therein. In addition, more practical
commitments by organisations to the empowerment of women and girls
are needed more than ever, especially investing in girl-child education.
Education is power, and it remains the first and a crucial step that will
guarantee more placement of women in positions of authority in the years
to come, as authoritative power is still less available to women.