Gender Aspects of Socio-Economic Inequality: Main Characteristics and Current Trends

Socio-economic inequality, inherent in every country, regardless of its level of economic development, scientific and technological achievements, digital transformations, etc., is a constant characteristic of the modern world and has a significant negative impact on social development, well-being, and security. Overcoming socio-economic inequality is one of the priority tasks of the state, the basis of whose policy in this area is scientific research into its essence, factors and manifestations and the justification of effective measures aimed at achieving socio-economic equality on their basis. The purpose of the article is to reveal gender factors and criteria of socio-economic inequality and to justify, based on a gender approach, the directions and measures of state policy to overcome it. Theoretical and applied problems of overcoming inequality in society are studied mainly in the context of the analysis of its individual complex forms, the analysis of socio-economic inequality is updated. An important area of research is the disclosure of the relationship between gender and socio-economic factors and the characteristics of social inequality. The article, based on a gender approach, reveals:– gender factors that negatively affect the level of socio-economic equality: gender exclusion as the exclusion of women from participation in certain forms and spheres of social life; gender stereotypes and prejudices regarding the inability of women to effectively work in certain professions, carry out entrepreneurial activities, managerial functions, and work in administrative positions; – gender gaps as criteria for socio-economic inequality. In Ukraine, significant gender gaps are inherent in the labor market, business, career growth opportunities for women and men, etc.; – the need to formation and implementation to achieve socio-economic equality a gender-sensitive state policies, its directions and measures: the development of gender inclusion as the removal of barriers and restrictions on women's access to all spheres of social activity, the formation of high gender competence, the creation of a gender ecosystem, the formation of gender inclusive workplaces.