1. Lesson 20 – Success of UK Government Policies to Reduce Gender Inequalities Learning Intentions (Pupils should be able to): Give a balanced analysis of the extent to which UK Government policy has been successful in reducing gender inequalities.

2. Evidence to support view that gender inequalities have been reduced 1.According to a report in 2009 by the University of Cambridge, there are more women than men in high status professions including medicine and the law. 2.More women are in employment than ever before. In 2008, there was almost as many women working as men, around 13.6m. 3.The ‘pay gap’ is falling and is at its lowest ever for full- time employees. The Equality Act, which is likely to become Law in 2010, should further reduce the pay gap. 4.There are many successful women in UK society including Elish Angiolini, the Lord Advocate, Scotland top law officer; Michelle Mone, Co-owner MJM International and Justine Curran, Chief Constable, Tayside Police (pic above).

3. Evidence to reject view that gender inequalities have not been reduced 1.A study by the Uni. of Manchester in 2007 claimed that although Labour Government’s had done a great deal to promote gender inequality the reforms introduced had largely failed. 2.Although nearly as many women work as men, around half of women are in part-time employment compared to only one in six men. 3.The UK ‘pay gap’ is falling but only slowly. Women receive around 12% less for hourly paid workers. For part-time workers the pay gap is about 40% less. These figures are one of the highest in Europe. 4.The ‘Sex and Power Report’ claimed a ‘glass ceiling’ exists with 5,600 less women in top jobs than there should be.

4. Success of UK Government Policies to Reduce Gender Inequalities Questions 1.What evidence is there that the UK Government has been successful in achieving gender equality. Make three points. 2.What evidence is there that the UK Government has been unsuccessful in achieving gender equality. Make three points. 3.Do you think the UK Government has done enough to promote gender equality? Give reasons for your answer. Reading: “Modern UK Social Issues” pages 60-66.