Biologically speaking, there are only two known genders in the world, one being male and the other female. Everyone, regardless of gender, experiences some form of oppression in their daily lives. Oppression is a state in which a person is subjected to cruel or unfair treatment in a way that prevents them from enjoying equal opportunities and freedom. Over time, it is evident that treatment between the two sexes is not distributed equally, even if it is assumed that this is the case. Even before the 19th century, it can be proven time and again that the ultimate goal of gender equality has not been fully achieved, thus leaving one side oppressed, first and foremost the female side. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In today's society, there are established patriarchal systems in which men are assigned all or most authoritative positions of power and/or supreme importance. This system has made women feel like they “are less qualified and less competent than men” (Glover). Despite women's abilities or qualifications, the nature of the patriarchal system discriminates against women of this century almost to the same degree as their predecessors, since many women still face similar problems. Another reason why women are limited in the patriarchal system could be mainly due to the underrepresentation of women in government. According to the document Women in Congress: Statistics and Brief Overview, since women gained the right to hold office in the 1900s, it is stated that only "a total of 365 women have been elected or appointed to serve in Congress American.” Even though some claim that there are many famous faces of female politicians around them, they remain numerically underrepresented in politics due to the prejudice and sexism evoked by oppression. In recent times, the social role of women has fundamentally changed. Typically, in traditional social roles, a wife or woman is expected to take responsibility for nurturing and raising her children, providing for her husband, and taking care of household chores. Even though times have changed, many women are still subjected to this stereotypical social role which would eventually lead to marital oppression. An example of martial oppression can be found in the whirlwind story "A Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, which, although published in the late 1800s, is nevertheless still considered relevant to major issues of Today. In the story, the main character, Mrs. Mallard, is repressed by her husband's supreme control and his "right to impose a private will on a fellow creature" (Chopin). It is limited to an unhealthy affair which undoubtedly led to his premature death. In 1963, the United States Congress enacted the Equal Pay Act to protect employees from sex discrimination by their employers. The law prohibited employers from giving a woman or a man different pay or benefits. But despite efforts by the U.S. Congress, the law has not worked as originally intended, as many women continue to earn significantly less than their counterparts for an equal amount of work. For example, according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, it states that in a "15-year analysis of women's and men's earnings, it was found that women earned only half (49%) of what men.” For.