Gender Inequalities Changes in society affecting women in recent years. The importance of women today to the UK economy.

Women in UK Society Today Women’s position in society has changed greatly in the last 30 years. Women are: Less likely to marry or marry later. Less likely to have children. More likely get divorced / be a lone parent. Click on picture for hyperlink

AVERAGE AGE AT FIRST MARRIAGE, SCOTLAND

Women in UK Society Today Divorce rates have risen in recent years. People are twice as likely to get divorced today than they were 40 years ago. The number of couples with children is falling. Around one quarter of children are raised in single households compared to less than 10% 40 years ago.

The number of births to older mothers has almost trebled in 20 years and is continuing to rise.

Explaining some of the changes affecting women in society 1. More women are pursuing a career than in the past. 2. The institution of marriage is not as highly regarded. Many more couples cohabit. Fewer women choose to marry. 3. The pressures of modern society are making it harder for couples to stay together. Divorce is more ‘acceptable’ today. The Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 has also made divorce easier to secure in recent years. 4. More women/couples are choosing not to have children as a career/lifestyle choice. Most importantly, girls/women are outperforming boys/men at every educational level from secondary qualifications (SG/Higher) to graduate/postgraduate degrees.

Women and the Economy Women are becoming increasingly important in the economy because: More women now go out to work, both full-time and part-time, than in the past. 70% of adult women work (13m) compared to 79% of adult men. Women’s earnings are of increased importance to families, especially those with children. Many lone parent families are headed by women but lone parent families are more likely to be in poverty.

Gender Inequalities 1. Describe two changes in society that have affected women in recent years. Provide statistics to support your answer. 2. Why are fewer women getting married/getting divorced or not having children? 3. In what ways are women becoming more important to the UK economy. Make two points. Reading: “Modern UK Social Issues” pages 41 – 44.