Gender and FamiliesSex and genderGender role theories

BiosocialPsychoanalyticCognitive developmentSocial learning/socializationConflict (sex/gender system)

Male point of viewGender and family work

Sex vs. Gender Sex: Biological Gender: Social and cultural Gender identity: response to

biological and social cues Recent thinking: gender identity may

be more fluid than we believe, but society emphasizes male/female boundary.

Gender roles Social role: Pattern of behaviors

associated with a position Gender role: Pattern of behaviors

commonly exhibited by males and females. Socially constructed and enforced.

Biosocial Approach

Innate biological differences Hormones influence behavior

(aggression, maternal instinct) Male and female brains different Reinforced by social experiences Social influences can counteract

biological Differences exist only “on average”

The Male Brain

Psychoanalytic approach (Freud)

Roles develop subconsciously Begin with attachment to

mother Boy wants mother; must

compete with father Solution: identify with father,

transfer attachment to another woman

Girl identifies w/mother; accepts male dominance

Envies male power (penis envy) Solution: Have man’s baby

Implies: “traditional” roles are natural and right

Psychoanalytic approach (Freud)

Psychoanalytic approach (Feminist)

Response to Freud: “Womb envy:” Men envy childbearing “Power envy:” Women envy economic

and political (not sexual) power Emotional differences: father as

distant role model, mother present; boys learn separation, girls learn

connectedness

Cognitive Development Theory

Understanding of gender develops in stages

Age 2: Can identify own and others’ gender based on superficial features see gender as changeable

Age 3-5: Rigid conception of M/F roles Need to classify and categorize Need for “black and white” distinctions

Age 6-7: See gender as permanent Not dependent on clothing, hair May continue to insist on rigid gender

roles

Cognitive Development Theory

Socialization/Social learning

Socialization by parents Begins at birth (“Baby X” experiment) Manipulation: treat boys and girls

differently Channeling: direct attention to specific

objects Verbal appellation: different language Activity exposure

Socialization by peers Same sex peers are influential Boys engage in competition, individual

play Girls engage in cooperation, group play,

communication Imitate peers’ behavior and attitudes

Socialization/Social learning

Socialization by media: Kids watch TV 4 hrs/day >60% of major characters are men Women shown as sexual, youthful,

thin

Socialization/Social learning

Conflict Theory: Sex-Gender System

Patriarchy: Social order based on domination of women

Reinforced by capitalist system Lower pay for women Conflicts between men and women Unpaid housework: men can work for lower

wages

The Male Point of View Often study gender from woman’s

perspective Masculine role may harm men

Assault, homicide Drinking, smoking, neglecting health Difficulty expressing feelings Pressure to provide Estrangement from families

Women want control at home – discourage husband’s participation

Gender and Family Work

Arlie Hochschild (80’s-90’s) “Second Shift” = maintaining

home and caring for family How is family work divided

among employed couples?

*Recent Newsweek article on this issue:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20590897/site/newsweek/?GT1=10357

Three Gender Ideologies: Traditional – 2nd shift is women’s

work; her employment has lower priority; identifies with family; husband has more power

Egalitarian – true 50/50 sharing; both partners identify with work and family

Three Gender Ideologies:

Transitional – husband more traditional, wife more egalitarian

Three Gender Ideologies:

Who Shares 2nd Shift?

Women’s answers:18% had men who

shared30% tried to get men

to share52% didn’t try

Men’s answers:20% said they

shared

80% didn’t think they had to share

*Recent data from 2002 General Social Survey: 25% of women and 30% of men say that men share household responsibilities

Why men didn’t share:

Needs reduction – “she doesn’t need my help;”

Substitution – “I do other kinds of work.”

Comparison – “I do more than most guys.”

How Women Responded

1. Change his behavior – ask for help; indirect tactics

2. Change her own behavior – “Supermom” – do it all Cut back on work, career Cut back on home, self, marriage,

children Hire help or get family members to

help

How Women Responded

How men responded when asked to share

Cooperation – 20% changed behavior

Resistance Feigned incompetence Wait for wife to ask Bargaining (“I’ll do it as a gift”) Needs reduction (“What mess?”)

Why don’t women ask for help? Traditional ideology Avoid conflict Want control (“he’d never do it

right”)