Resolved: That reducing gender inequality should be our highest priority.

Affirmative arguments

1. Progress in the direction of gender equality has occurred in the United States and
elsewhere, but there are still a number of areas where it has not equal pay for
equal work, occupational segregation, glass ceilings, discrimination against
transgender individuals.

2. All people, not just women, must be willing to speak out against inequality if
there is to be any hope of moving further toward equality. Moving toward gender
equality is a precondition for solving all other social problems.

3. Gender inequality remains an enormous problem in areas outside the United
States, Western Europe, and East Asia. Even if we have doubts about the scope of
feminist practice in those places, it must be pursued elsewhere.


Negative arguments

1. Gender equality is an illusion as long as women lack control over their bodies in
civil society and interpersonal relationships (abortion, birth control, pregnancy,
physical and verbal harassment, rape presumptions, weight and clothing
expectations). We need to start on these issues and in many instances, resolving
them may require recognizing legitimate gendered differences.

2. Gender equality is impossible as long as the economic system makes it too
difficult for most people to hold a job, make a living wage, and have time to live well
with family and friends. Working parents, for example, need to have their specific
burdens appreciated.

3. There are legitimate gender differences in interests and needs which should be
recognized (mens rights movement)