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Read Item K below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 17 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 17
Read Item K below and answer the question that follows. Item K Development can lead to new ways for previously exploited groups to improve their situation. It can ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item K below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 17 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Analyse how development can empower women
Answer
Development initiatives can create new opportunities for women to enhance their social and economic status. These initiatives may include access to education and vocational training, which equip women with the skills necessary to participate in the workforce. As women gain more economic independence, they can challenge traditional gender roles and contribute to decision-making processes within their households and communities. This shift can lead to greater gender equality, as women's voices become more prominent and their rights are increasingly acknowledged.
Step 2
Analyse how development can backfire and reinforce gender inequalities
Answer
While development can enhance women's empowerment, it can also trigger backlash from traditional power structures. As previously marginalized groups gain rights, dominant groups may feel threatened, leading to resistance against progressive changes. This could manifest in the reassertion of patriarchal norms, where women’s roles are minimized again in response to the perceived challenges posed by development. Consequently, rather than reducing gender inequalities, development processes may inadvertently reinforce existing disparities, making it critical to address both the positive and negative impacts of development on gender relationships.