Final answer:
The ease of life based on gender varies across different societies and is influenced by social, economic, and political factors. Gender stratification in the workplace can be mitigated through various equitable practices. Historical and cultural examples show that gender is not exclusively binary and that there are societies acknowledging more than two gender identities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gender experience within a culture is multifaceted and influenced greatly by cultural norms and societal structures. Traditionally, many societies have operated under a binary gender system which can place restrictions on individuals based on their assigned gender at birth. Whether men or women have it easier is a subject that can be subjective and varies greatly depending on social, economic, and political contexts.
In considering how life would be different if one were ascribed a different gender category at birth, it is likely that family interactions, educational experiences, and personal identity would be significantly altered.
Gender roles are often learned through a combination of explicit teaching and observational learning within one's family and community.
The prevalence of transgender practices across various cultures demonstrates the fluidity and spectrum of gender and sexuality, showing that gender identity and sexual orientation can be diverse and not necessarily fixed.
To lessen the effects of gender stratification in the workplace, active measures such as enforcing equal pay, providing parental leave for all genders, implementing non-discriminatory hiring practices, and encouraging equitable promotion opportunities are necessary. Gender stratification not only limits individual opportunities but also harms societal progress by not fully utilizing the potential of all members.
Many societies and historical accounts show a range of gender expressions and identities, including recognition of more than two genders, such as the example of the kathoey in Thailand, emphasizing that gender is a social construct with various manifestations around the world.