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SOC101IntrotoSociology12ech11.pptx

Gender Stratification

Chapter 11

Introduction to Sociology 12e

by Henry L. Tischler

Learning Objectives

Contrast biological and sociological views of sex and gender.

Describe the concept of patriarchal ideology.

Understand the functionalist and conflict theory viewpoints on gender stratification.

Explain the process of gender-role socialization.

Describe gender differences in the world of work.

Be aware of the effect of changes in gender roles in U.S. society.

Sex

Refers to the physical and biological differences between men and women

Evident by physical distinctions in anatomical, chromosomal, hormonal, and physiological characteristics

Ascribed status

Person is born either male or female

Gender

Refers to the social, psychological, and cultural attributes of masculinity and femininity that are based on the previous biological distinctions

Important factor in shaping people’s self-images and social identities

Learned through the socialization process and thus is an achieved status

Historical Views

Understanding the traditional social roles of men and women

Religious Views

Patriarchal ideology

The belief that men are superior to women and should control all important aspects of society

Religious Views

According to much religion tradition, three groups of people are not eligible for legal and religious equality:

Non-believers

Women

Slaves

Biological Views

Animal studies and sociobiology

Ethology

Scientific study of nonhuman animal behavior

Sexual differences in behavior exist throughout much of the nonhuman animal world

Sociobiology

Human behavior grounded in genetics

Overlooks important processes of socialization

Gender and Sex

Perception of role of sexual activity varies

Larger percentage of women connect to desirability of monogamous behavior

Socialization processes support differential

Gender-based biology

Biological and physiological differences between men and women as well as differences in responses to drugs

What Produces Gender Inequality?

Two theoretical approaches have been used to explain dominance and gender inequality

Functionalism

Conflict theory

The Functionalist Viewpoint

Talcott Parsons and Robert Bales (1955)

Division of labor and role differentiation by sex are universal principles of family organization and are functional to the modern family

Family functions best when roles are assigned

Instrumental role – the father

Expressive role – the mother

Instrumental Role

Focuses on relationships between the family and the outside world

Supporting and protecting the family

Expressive Role

Focuses on relationships within the family

Love and emotional support needed to sustain the family

The Conflict Viewpoint

Friedrich Engels

Acknowledgment of early functionalist-based gender roles

Linked modern gender inequality to economic system, capitalism

Concentration of wealth in hands of powerful / men

Subordination of women follows

Perception that current gender role division is dysfunctional and economically regressive

The Conflict Viewpoint

Conflict

Males dominate females

Exploitation of women

Men gain greater power

Gender-Role Socialization

Lifelong process whereby people learn

Values

Attitudes

Motivations

Behaviors

All considered appropriate to each sex according to their culture

Childhood Socialization

Parent response and training based on their perception of what girls and boys are like and should be

Parent responses to girls and boys differ from the beginning

Girls are caressed more than boys

Boys are jostled and rough-housed more

Mothers talk more to their daughters

Fathers interact more with their sons

Adolescent Socialization

Establishment of social identity

Social role training

Males – occupational commitment training

Females – training in behaviors oriented to attracting a suitable mate

Role training is evolving as social and economic system has evolved

Erik Erikson

Boys

Encouraged to pursue role paths that will prepare them for an occupational commitment

Girls

Encouraged to develop behavior patterns designed to attract a suitable mate

Job Discrimination

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Earnings and employment by occupation, race, ethnicity, and sex, 2010,” September 14, 2011 (https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2011/ted_20110914.htm), accessed August 4, 2017.

Discrimination Against Women

Three primary methods of discrimination:

During the hiring process

Women are given jobs with lower occupational prestige than men who have equivalent qualifications

Through unequal wage policies

Women receive less pay than men for equivalent work

In the awarding of promotions

Women find it more difficult than men to move up the career ladder

Education Inequality

Source: U.S. Department of Education, Digest of Education Statistics; “Graduate Enrollment and Degrees: 2005 to 2015,” Hironao Okahana, Keonna Feaster, Jeff Allum, September 2016.

Contemporary Ethnic Groups

White Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs)

African Americans

Hispanics (Latinos)

Mexican Americans

Puerto Ricans

Cuban Americans

Asian Americans

Native Americans

A Diverse Society

Complex and constantly changing

Evolving trends

Resurgent ethnic identity movements

Not a melting pot

Simplistic, idealistic concept

Dependent on mutual respect