Chapter 10

Inequalities of Gender

Section 1

Sex and Gender Identity

Defining Male and Female – if men and women behave differently, it is assumed to be because of their sex.  Sex is the biological distinction between male and female.

Biological determinism –the belief that behavioral differences are the result of inherited physical characteristics.  This theory lacks scientific definable proof.

Male and female children are treated differently from the moment of birth.  Girls and boys learn to behave as their parents expect.

Gender identity – an awareness of being masculine or feminine based on culture.  

Nature vs. Nurture debate applies to definitions of masculinity and feminity

Biological differences between the sexes: 

            Muscle to bone ratios

            How fat is stored

            Reproductive organs

            Brains in men and women are slightly different in structure

                        Men have more activity in region of the brain tied to aggression

                        Women have more activity in region tied to emotional expression

                        Women tend to use both sides of the brain at the same time – men use one      side at a time – improves focus, but miss other cues.

Do biological differences lead to differences in social behavior?  We don’t know

Most sociologists believe that gender related behavior is a result of culture.  Mead’s observation of tribes and gender roles.  Gender roles are not fixed at birth.

Making the job more difficult is the fact that there are vast differences in behavior within each sex

Section 2 Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

Functionalism – the division of responsibilities between males and females survives because it benefits.  Historically, men were physically suited for some jobs, women for others, and men took the more dangerous tasks as they were more expendable.

            Modern society recognizes that traditional divisions have caused dysfunction.

Conflict – It is to the advantage of men to prevent women from gaining access to resources.  The status quo is to the advantage of men.

Symbolic Interactionism – SI focuses on gender socialization, or how boys and girls learn to act the way they are “supposed to act”.  Roles are learned through interaction with parents, teachers, peers, and media.

            Parents – transfer values and attitudes regarding how boys and girls should behave.  Gender socialization is firmly established by the age of 2 ½.   (action figures vs. dolls, sports uniforms or dresses).  Family chores are usually divided into boys and girls jobs.

            Schools – preschool and elementary teachers often encourage different behaviors from boys and girls.  Boys tend to be more assertive, calling out answers; girls tend to wait more patiently with hands raised.  Schools often dampen female competitiveness.

            Peers – teens who most closely mirror societies traditional gender roles are given the greatest respect.  Feminine boys and masculine girls are assigned lower statuses.

Section 3

Gender Inequality

Believers in biological determinism (section 1) are considered to be a moral threat because it is used to rationalize unfair (racist and/or sexist) treatment by saying some people are naturally inferior to others.

Sexism – a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify gender inequality.

Occupational and Economic Inequality – Women now represent 46% of the work force, but are concentrated in lower status occupations.  “Pink collar” jobs are virtually all held by women and they are paid lower wages than comparable “blue collar” jobs held by men.  Women typically earn $.74 for every $1 men make (1997) which is better than in 1980 when women earned $.60 for each $1 men made.

Legal and Political Inequality – Some laws show a bias against women’s rights, including insurance (health).  Historically many states have limited what women could do.  Title VII in the 1964 Civil Rights Act made these actions illegal.

Family Medical Leave Act (1993) allows people up to 12 weeks unpaid leave to care for others after birth, adoption, or medical emergency.  Since women are more likely to take this leave it can lead to hiring discrimination by employers who do not wish to employ those who may take the leave.

Title IX – has allowed women to participate equally in sports and extra curricular activities at schools and Universities.  Led to an unprecedented growth in girls and women in sports

            Women hold 15% of positions in the House of Representatives, and 14% of Senate in 2005.