Woman face more challenges in Western society than men do

Pro has presented much speculation within the last argument The 2:1 ration: This statistic is a generalization, and is correct. some stem fields hold more than a 2:1 advantage, and others hold less than 2:1. Woman are unrepresented in STEM fields as a whole. This stat does not claim woman outnumber men in STEM fields but that woman are 2:1 more likely to be hired in STEM fields. There is nothing holding woman back from working in the STEM fields. They have the right, the ability, and the availablity to do so. The issue is that woman are not wanting to go into STEM fields (generally) and forcing them to do so IS SEXISM. "Research has shown that women frequently undervalue themselves and the work they do, making them less likely to demand higher salaries ". This sounds like a personal issue. Having the confidence to ask for higher pay is not the fault of anyone but yourself. No one says "woman are less then men" and society doesn't claim that either. Woman are generally more self reflective than men are but still, this is not discrimination this is a self imposed issue. In addition I stand by my argument- a social science degree, or a degree in gender studies do little to improve the economy. There is not an economic demand for gender studies majors and thus they are paid less. Capitalism does not care what gender you are, what race you are, or what god you pray too, or what passions you have- it cares about your ability to make money for a company. Arbitrarily paying woman more for degrees with little economic value is insane. I also stand by my statement in regards to birth control. I am sorry but birth control is a contraceptive, and Viagra is a pill used to treat a disorder. You have to have a physical disorder to get Viagra, this is not the case with birth control. Also I will again state that there are a multitude of resources that only woman can utilize to get free or discounted contraceptives. In addition companies have the freedom to chose the type of insurance they offer as a benefit. If that insurance does not include birth control that is their right. One does not need birth control to function sexually or in day to day life. One does need Viagra to do so. Companies do not have to provide contraceptives to woman. It is also highly inaccurate to classify this under reproductive rights. Woman who work for a company that does not provide birth control still have readily available access to birth control and other contraceptives. No one is forcing them not to take birth control, instead their employer is simply exercising their right to not have to pay for a pill that does not treat a medical condition. Pro referring to my story proves my point. When I started talking to my future wife that night in the bar I made no sexual advances, I simply engaged her in conversation, and complimented her a couple times. To many people (mostly 3rd wave feminists) what I did was sexual harassment. I have even heard that men need consent to say hello to a female. I did nothing wrong that night in that bar. I said nothing inappropriate but yet some would consider it sexual harassment and that's my point. The lines have been blurred with things like "switch rape" and the definition of sexual harassment is so vague and includes so much that almost any conversation between two member of the opposing sex could be sexual harassment. Pay gap: The statistic is fine- I am not arguing that it is a legit stat. I am arguing that it proves nothing. It does not prove discrimination in anyway. There are a multitude of factors that influence this all of which I have mentioned earlier. Career choice, personal choices, negotiation, hours worked, and many more factors contribute to this stat. And as stated earlier woman now out earn men in to 20-30 age range. This pay gap is due to choices made by woman. It is a self imposed challenge which negates it's placement as a true challenge being that it is easy to overcome. Rape: In 2008 it was reported that around 213,000 men were sexually assaulted in jail. Almost none of these assaults have resulted in trails. According to the FBI 92,000 woman were raped in 2011. While in society woman are more likely to be raped, as a whole men are more likely to be raped than woman. So not only are men more likely to be murdered, we are more likely to be sexually assaulted. Some rape statistics for woman go as high as 1 in 4 but these statistics come from very flawed studies. When looking at academic studies the number is actually more like 0.4 out of 1000. And again the definition of rape is no linger holding someone down and forcing them. It can appear consensual at the moment but later be declared rape due to alcohol. Switch rape also proves this point. In closing: Woman and men both face challenges in society. Organizations such as 3rd wave feminism will have you believe that discrimination is a one sided affair. That only woman face such challenges and that men are privileged. Terms are used like "toxic masculinity" and these terms demean the challenges faced by men and also place the blame for social issues unfairly on men. Men face challenges everyday the same as woman yet we are not allowed to speak of it. We are not able to shed light on issues faced by men because doing so may be considered sexist, because doing so demeans the issues faced by woman. This is unfair and yet another challenge men face. My opponent has failed to provide much, if any evidence of systemic sexism or discrimination. The only thing provided is disparities that are not due to any form of sexism but rather due to choices woman willingly make. Men on the other hand face legal discrimination, health discrimination, we live shorter lives, we are in more and more day to day danger, we are allowed less rights with our children, we control less of that nations wealth, and that is naming a few. I think it is clear that men do face as many challenges than woman if not more. I want to thank my opponent for a terrific debate, I had a lot of fun. I look forward to your response. rape stats: 1. http://papers.ssrn.com... 2. http://time.com... 3. https://ucr.fbi.gov... 4. http://www.dailymail.co.uk... Sexual harassment issues http://www2.law.ucla.edu... Switch rape http://amazingatheist.tumblr.com...