Written by: Manaswi Sapkota - 26004, Grade X
Posted on: 08 November, 2023
The preference for males in Asian communities is a common phenomenon, as supported by numerous surveys and reports. This ingrained preference, influenced by historical, cultural, and social factors, manifests in various aspects of life, from family dynamics to economic opportunities. But what is the primary reason behind this bias for men over women?
Historically, male preference was widespread because royal and common families could easily continue their bloodlines through male heirs. Men traditionally performed most of the physical and strenuous work, and even today, the legacy of this history endures, with men viewed as investments while women are often seen as financial burdens. As a result, men are granted more opportunities in education, job prospects, and even in terms of parental affection.
Using a personal example, I'd like to illustrate how men receive preferential treatment. A friend of mine, who has a sister but no brothers, has a male cousin who is particularly close to her mother. Her mother treats the cousin as if he were her own son, which is understandable given his parents' absence. However, my friend has noticed how much her mother favors him. She is frequently upset with my friend and her sister for minor things, while she consistently treats the cousin with warmth and kindness. The extent of pampering is such that her own daughters often feel neglected. Upon reflection, it's evident that this is a case of male preference, suggesting that her mother might have behaved differently if she had given birth to a boy, being gentler and kinder to her children while possibly neglecting her daughters.
Biases in favor of men are also evident in many family events. After a meal at gatherings hosted by family members, the men often leave their cutlery and plates on the table, with their wives left to clean up after them. This practice is baffling, especially when the sink is just a few inches or feet away from the table. The hosts themselves encourage this behavior, instructing the men to leave their plates, which are then picked up by their wives or the hosts. Men in these families are so pampered that they refuse to perform even the tiniest household chores.
Similarly, after marriage, the in-laws of the bride often expect her to take care of their son. While the wife is eating, one of her in-laws may demand that she iron their son's clothes for work the next day. This expectation is unreasonable, as men are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. In most cases in Asia, they are pampered to the point that they lack basic survival skills.
This is not to say that there are no self-sufficient men, but their numbers are relatively low in Asia due to the strong bias in favor of males. This prevailing stigma against women needs to end, and a more open-minded environment should be created. Favoring men doesn't benefit anyone; it only fosters laziness and dependency on others for basic needs.
