【By Stephanie Chao】
A survey regarding gender equality issues revealed that at least half of Taiwanese citizens still maintain the ideals that men have higher statuses than women in the society, announced the National Development Council (NDC).
At least 54 percent of the interviewees believed that men hold higher status in the society than women, showing that the traditional value of "men are superior than women" still exists today, Deputy Director Wu Hsiu-chen of the Gender Equality Bureau of the Executive Yuan stated.
At least 30 percent of the surveyed believe in gender equality, Wu stated. From a political issue standpoint, Taiwan's women in politics stand at 33.9 percent, which is much higher compared to numbers in countries such as the U.S., Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Wu admitted that Taiwan still has room for improvement, compared to Sweden and Denmark's 40 percent.
On gender issues regarding employment and family responsibilities, 33.2 percent did not agree that men's responsibility is to earn money, while women should concentrate on taking care of the family.
At least 86 percent of the surveyed believe that responsibilities in and outside of the home should be balanced between both genders, implying a greater awareness of gender equality among people.
In regards to familial issues, only 24.1 percent agreed that women should have at least one son in order to carry on the family name, and 78 percent did not agree that an unmarried woman cannot be listed in her family's ancestral hall.
On the other hand, Taiwanese traditional values state that unmarried women could only enter Guniang Temple, a temple of Yin (negative energy) worship. "While the younger generation might feel that traditional values must be eradicated, traditional families still hold onto these customs."
The survey, which was conducted from July 21 to 22, covered questions on citizens' attitude towards 13 gender equality issues. There were 1,096 valid samples, targeting interviewees aged 20 and above. The survey was released earlier this week.
[The China Post, 2015-09-25]
