Discuss the concept of "feminization" as it relates to global flows. Select and explain two forms of feminization discussed by the text. Explain how each affects women.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Correct answer varies but should include at least two of these: feminization of migration, feminization of labor, feminization of poverty, and female proletarianization. Women in export processing zones may also be considered as correct. Feminization of migration refers to an unprecedented increase in women's migration that enriches the Global North but often exposes women to the worst forms of discrimination, exploitation, and abuse. Feminization of labor refers to a notable increase in women's labor force participation rates worldwide, which allows for gender equality movements and better integration of many areas of the world into the world economy. Feminization of poverty was first framed as a concept in 1978 and means that those living in poverty are more likely to be women than men. Female proletarianization is the channeling of women into low-paying manual work with low status and often in dangerous occupations with lack of security and poor working conditions. Women in export processing zones may also be considered as correct as a subset of female proletarianization in special industrial areas of developing countries designed to draw foreign investment from multinational corporations. The effects are that they claim to reduce poverty and unemployment but the working conditions are often brutal with long daily schedules, insufficient breaks or health and safety measures, and sexual harassment, violence, and abuse in the workplace.