Discussion:
What does it mean to say that women and men are equal? What does it not mean?
• Are there ways in which women and men are treated differently that are unjust?
• Are there ways in which women and men are treated differently that are just?
• Are there social structures, cultural trends (such as in media or advertising), or other aspects of our society that convey and sustain gender inequality?
? What should our response to them be as individuals? ? What should our response to them be as societies?
• Are there certain religious or cultural beliefs or practices that convey and sustain gender inequalities? ? What should our response to them be as individuals?
? What should our response to them be as societies?
Create a five paragraph essay in which you provide three reasons why the issue is ethically significant. The paragraphs of your essay should conform to the following guidelines:
a. Paragraph 1:
Provide a brief introduction to the issue. Your introduction should make clear to the reader exactly what issue you are choosing and what you take to be the boundaries of the issue. For eg, if you were writing on criminal punishment, you would need to make clear whether you were considering only imprisonment and harsher penalties, or whether you were also considering penalties such as fines for speeding. (Note, you may not write on criminal punishment, this is just an example). The final sentence of your paragraph should be a thesis sentence which lists the three reasons you will put forward in your essay.
b. Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4:
The first sentence of each paragraph should be a topic sentence that clearly states what reason you will be considering. The remainder of the paragraph should make clear why this is a reason for thinking the issue you have chosen is ethically significant. Each paragraph should contain at least four sentences.
c. Paragraph 5:
Conclude your essay by very briefly reviewing the three reasons you have discussed and why they show the issue is ethically significant. Your paragraph should contain a paraphrased restatement of your thesis.