Discrimination against men in employment

Active prejudice towards men by employers
Prejudicial treatment of male workers

Nature

Discrimination against recruiting men for occupations of low status or with low pay or with few promotion prospects arises because such occupations are conventionally considered more suitable for women. Dirty or dangerous jobs, felt to be unsuitable for women, will be allocated to men. In developed countries women and male immigrant workers share a large proportion of the most menial and worst-paid jobs. Recruitment for occupations traditionally regarded as 'women's work': secretarial, nursing, teaching and social work, may exclude male applicants; where formerly skilled trades can be turned over to keyboard-style machines, women will be employed in preference since they are relatively cheap labour.

Claim

Men should have flexible hours to help care for new-born children, men should be able to retire at the same age as women, and women should be allowed to have more dirty or dangerous jobs. Male office workers should be allowed to wear what they want, with neckties being abolished during warm weather.

Counter-claim

Discrimination against men in employment is often overstated and largely a myth. The focus on gender equality has led to significant advancements for women, while men continue to dominate most industries and leadership roles. Claims of bias against men distract from real issues, such as the need for equitable treatment across all demographics. Instead of fostering division, we should celebrate progress and work together to ensure fairness for everyone, regardless of gender.