Chapter 14, Inequalities of Gender

Gender and Inequality Sex Versus Gender Gender Stratification Gender Inequality in Industrial Societies The Women’s Movement

 Sex and Gender

Sex refers to the biological differences between males and females.

Gender refers to culturally defined ways of acting as a male or a female that become part of an individual’s personal sense of self.

Gender Socialization

Separates males and females into social worlds with their own activities and language

Boys and girls are increasingly participating in the same activities in their schools and communities.

Many parents, teachers, and administrators try to avoid the worst effects of gender separation.

Sexuality

Profoundly influenced by cultural norms, social institutions and the class system of a society.

Universal cultural norms include the the incest taboo and marriage.

Norms of heterosexuality function to ensure population replacement and growth.

 Gender Stratification

All human societies are stratified by gender. Males and females are channeled into specific

statuses and roles. Studies have established that gender roles are

not innate but are strongly influenced by culture.

 Gender Stratification

In modern industrial societies boys and girls are socialized into "Masculine" and ”feminine" roles.

In their adult years men enjoy more wealth, prestige and leisure than women do.

Gender stratification in modern societies is reflected in attitudes that reinforce the subordinate status of women.

Sexism

An ideology that justifies prejudice or discrimination based on sex.

Expressed in violence and harassment of women, intended to “keep women in their place” and maintain male power.

Women's Movement

Arose in the mid-1960s out of an existing network of women’s organizations.

The movement won significant victories during the 1960s and 1970s and began to change the way men and women think about gender roles.

Women and Work

"second shift" - Women who work outside the home are expected to perform the bulk of domestic and child care work.

Many women are segregated into the pink-collar ghettos of secretarial and clerical work.

Problems Cited by Women in the Workplace

Low wages Differentials in fringe benefits Dead end jobs Sexual harassment Lack of child care Stress over multiple roles Lack of leisure time