CHAPTER 11: SEX AND GENDER

Objectives:Define gender stratification and

distinguish between sex and genderUnderstand the controversy over what

most accounts for gender differences in behavior, biology or culture, and explain the dominant sociological position in the debate

Describe the global nature of gender inequality and provide concrete examples of global gender discrimination

CHAPTER 11: SEX AND GENDER

Gender Stratification: males’ and females’ unequal access to power, prestige and property on the basis of their sex

Gender = Master StatusLabels of male/female carry images

and expectations about how we should actguides behaviorserves as basis of power and privilege

SEX VERSUS GENDER

Sex: biological characteristics that distinguish females and males, consisting of primary and secondary sex characteristicsprimary: reproductive organssecondary: physical distinctions not associated with reproduction (voice tone, muscle tone, breasts, hair)

Gender: behaviors and attitudes that society considers proper for males and females; masculinity or femininity sociological significance of gender—it is a device by which society controls its members (through socialization)

INHERIT your SEX, but you LEARN your GENDER

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN BEHAVIOR

Biology or Culture?What is responsible for gender differences in men

and women…

Take a few minutes to read the Thinking Critically excerpts on pages 292 and 293 in your textbook…

Jot down your thoughts/questions as you read along. Be prepared to express your opinion about the topic of biology or culture

(read aloud “Medical Accident”/ “Vietnam Veterans”)

GENDER INEQUALITY IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

There is not a single example of a society where women (as a group) have decision making power over men (as a group)

Sex Typing at Workfound in every societyassociated activities with one sex or the otherthings considered “female” in one society,

can be considered “male” in anothermetalworking is the exception (it is

universally male)

GENDER INEQUALITY IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

division of labor does not by itself equal social inequality

Inequality comes from the fact that the prestige that is given to male activities is greater, regardless of what those activities are

examples: delivering babies

it is not the work that provides the prestige, but the sex with which the work is associated

OTHER AREAS OF DISCRIMINATION…Educationof the 1 billion adults that cannot read, 2/3 are women (most in

Africa)

PoliticsNo national legislature has as many women as men (on average

women hold about 11% of seats in governmental bodies)

Pay GapIn every nation, women average less pay than men

in US women are paid, on average, 65% of men’s wages

ViolenceGlobal human rights issue

ex: foot binding (China), suttee (India), rape, forced prostitution, female circumcision (excerpt pg, 300)