Why is gender so important?

[jenny_]

Am I missing something.  Why do companies when asking for your details seem to always require your gender?  Even when they don't ask many questions, the gender question is always asked.  I understand it for things like medical records, but for most places, like banks I just don't get what they do with the information.  I mean they ask for your title so they don't use it to work out how to address you, and it isn't useful for stopping fraud since 3 billion people have the same gender.

It seems weird to me. Am i missing some really obvious use for it?

[NickSister]

It seems weird to me. Am i missing some really obvious use for it?

It is a mystery to me too. I also find it a mystery why they require a 'title'.

[Laurry]

It is a mystery to me how it all started, too.  But I bet that now, the government probably demands it.

[Eva Marie]

In a word - demographics. Anyone asking gender/income/race/age/political/etc questions is trying to build a database of what they think you might be, and more importantly what you might buy. Demographics is all about the money.

[Rachael]

Its not important... atleast not to me... it just is.
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[jenny_]

In a word - demographics. Anyone asking gender/income/race/age/political/etc questions is trying to build a database of what they think you might be, and more importantly what you might buy. Demographics is all about the money.

yeah thats true, but theres still companies that ask for only gender.

[Shana A]

I see no need having to check which gender I am in a box on a form. It's none of their @#$%^& business. grrrrr 

Z

[androgynetg]

Why do companies when asking for your details seem to always require your gender?

Because people treat people differently, depending on the gender of the one doing the asking and the one doing the telling. And depending on the gender you are presenting in, you will also get treated differently. Curiously enough, I get treated differently by my male and female co-workers. The fellas talk to me like a girl and the women treat me more like a male, I think they are a little confused .. 

[Rachael]

there are gender differences in society. If you dont like that. Start your own.... its that simple. I dont think society will ever abolish gender. Sorry guys.
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[tekla]

I don't think you abolish it, you get beyond it.  It happens slowly, but it is happening in many ways, and has been going on since the 1820s in a lot of ways.  You're just not paying attention. 

As for asking, in the US its almost mandatory, as its one of the markers that places have to keep for the government stat people.  Just fill in what you think you are, and go about your life.

[Chaunte]

Gender data is used to show the government that they are not discriminating.  Ever notice the EEOC statement?  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  They are the ones that keep tabs on things like this.

Chaunte