1 Chapter 4: Gender and Sexual Orientation Donna M. Gollnick and Philip C. Chinn Merrill/Prentice Hall (2009) Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition ISBN: Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

2 Differences in the Sexes During the first eight years of life, boys and girls have similar hormonal levels and physical development. Puberty marks the difference in hormonal levels, which control physical development. Body fat increases in girls and decreases in boys. Structural changes in females diminish strength and lower endurance for heavy labor. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

3 Brain-Based Differences Some researchers have found differences in functioning between boys and girls in mathematical, verbal, and spatial skills. Some researchers suggest the differences are attributable to biological differences related to hormones affecting hemispheric specialization in the brain. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

4 Gender and Sex Sex is biologically determined. Chromosomes determine how one is born. Gender is culturally determined. Gender is what society or culture thinks males and females should be, how they should behave, and what constitutes masculine or feminine behaviors. Gender identity is a core part of one’s self- identity. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

5 Gender Socialization A culture’s elders (those in authority: parents, relatives, teachers) socialize children. Children are active participants in their own socialization. Males tend to be socialized to be independent, assertive, and emotionally stable. When an individual’s behavior is contrary to society’s norms, challenges may occur. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

6 Gender Roles and Identity Gender roles are often stereotyped. They are also influenced by the media and textbooks. They are influenced by a family’s ethnicity, class, and religion. Females are typically allowed more flexibility in roles than males. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

7 Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation is established early in life. Heterosexuality is the valued sexual orientation in the United States. While a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003 overturned the last of anti-homosexual laws, discrimination still exists in many areas of the country. In many areas, gays and lesbians are unable to find housing and jobs, and they are physically attacked. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

8 History of Homosexuality The term first appeared in Until the 1970’s, it was considered a sickness, at best, and a condemnable offense, at worst. Many people lost their jobs and were actively discriminated against. The Stonewall Riot in 1969 was a turning point for LGBT rights. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

9 Self-Identification For obvious reasons, gay men and lesbian women are hesitant to acknowledge sexual orientation. Increasing numbers of individuals are identifying themselves as homosexuals. Estimates range from 5% to 10% of the general population are homosexuals. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

10 Gay and Lesbian Issues Marriage between same-sex couples continues to be argued in U.S. Courts. Although the public is becoming more accepting of gay and lesbian relationships, powerful anti-gay movements still exist. Gays continue to be the group most targeted by hate crimes. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

11 In the Schools Reports suggest that gay and lesbian students face considerable rejection, abuse, and harassment in the schools. Forty percent of students surveyed indicate that they have been physically harassed in school. Some feel unsafe in school and sometimes stop attending. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

12 Educators’ Responsibilities A disproportionate number of gay and lesbian students have ended their lives by suicide. Educators are entitled to their own beliefs or religious convictions related to homosexuality. Every educator has the moral, ethical, and professional responsibility to provide a safe and accepting environment for every student regardless of sexual orientation. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

13 The Women’s Movement Since the mid-nineteenth century, women’s groups have continued to struggle for equality. Initial struggles involved the rights to divorce, to control property, to speak in public, and to vote. Antifeminists include men and women—political conservatives who believe a woman’s responsibilities are to be a good wife and mother. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

14 Sexism and Gender Discrimination Sexism is a belief that men are superior to women and should dominate them in the home and at work. Some women, even today, are encouraged to advance themselves through marriage rather than through their own achievement and independence. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

15 Advances in the 1960s The most significant advances occurred in the 1960s as feminists gained the support of more women and men, developing out of the civil rights movement. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 required the same pay for the same job for men and women. Title VII, approved in 1964, prohibited discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or sex. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

16 Gender Discrimination Sexism is the belief that males are superior to females. Sexism is practiced in both personal and professional settings. It is supported by socialization patterns and in institutional policies and practices. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

17 Jobs and Wages Both women and men will earn higher incomes with increasing education. Women typically earn less than men when their educations are equal. Women with bachelor’s degrees or beyond have median incomes 63% of incomes earned by males with the same education. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

18 Gender and Occupation Women workers are more heavily concentrated in low-prestige, lower-income occupations. Men in traditionally female fields (e.g., education) typically hold the higher-status, higher-paying, administrative positions. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

19 Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is prevalent in schools, between students. It is often viewed as “just typical adolescent behavior,” however, the effects are harmful. Educators are beginning to feel legal pressures to stop sexual harassment of students. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

20 Classroom Focus One’s chances to pursue postsecondary education is greatly influenced by one’s elementary and secondary education. Title IX (federal legislation) makes it illegal for schools to discriminate against women and girls in educational programs. Gender gaps in tests scores have narrowed in the past few decades. Nonsexist classrooms incorporate curricula that support the learning of both males and females. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

21 Women’s Studies Programs Women’s studies programs are similar to ethnic studies programs. These programs attempt to record and analyze historical and contemporary experiences of women. Courses include concepts of consciousness- raising and views of women as a separate group with unique needs and disadvantages in school and in society. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

22 Gender and Technology Technology jobs are among the fastest growing occupations. Girls are more likely to be involved with computer tools, whereas boys are more likely to program and design technology. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

23 Nonsexist Education Teachers can point out differences between genders, discuss how inequities are portrayed, and provide a balanced view of the roles and contributions of both men and women. Required readings should include works by women as well as men. Nonstereotypical male and female examples should appear on bulletin boards and in teacher- prepared materials. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

24 Gender and Classroom Interactions Research finds that educators treat boys and girls differently in the classroom. To overcome gender bias, educators must recognize that subtle and unintentional biases exist. Nonsexist education attempts to eliminate classroom-based power relationships based on gender. Rather than treating girls and boys the same, nonsexist education is focused on gender equity. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

25 Sexual Orientation and Curriculum The topic of sexual orientation is typically included in health, sex education, and family life courses. It could, however, be included in meaningful ways in social studies, language arts, and literature curricula. Curriculum that is sensitive to these issues promotes a greater understanding of homosexuality among all students, and the healthy development of self-identified homosexual students. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.

26 Single-Sex Education This includes segregated classes, as well as, in some instances, schools segregated based on sex. Traditionally, schools were not legally allowed to segregate based on sex. However, in 2002, federal regulations provided greater flexibility to schools to segregate based on sex. Gollnick & Chinn Multicultural Education in a Pluralistic Society 8th Edition Copyright ©2009 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey All rights reserved.