What is the significance of jealousy in Othello?

In addition to the answers above, jealousy is tied to
sexism, misogyny and the male and female reputations in the play
Othello.  The double standards of this patriarchal honor culture
are such: males had the right to be jealous of women, but women had no right to be
jealous of men.  More, men were jealous of each other's rank, status and
reputation.

I believe Othello is more jealous of Cassio
than he is of Desdemona.  Cassio is the ideal male, and he represents everything that
Othello is not.  He is young, white, Christian, well-spoken, and
handsome.

Not only are males jealous of other males, but
females are jealous of each other.  Emilia and Bianca are jealous of Desdemona.  Why do
you think Emilia steals the handkerchief from Desdemona?  Why do you think Bianca gives
it back to Cassio?  They hate what it represents: Desdemona's status as the highest
ranking woman.