SWK 121: Chapter 16 Morales

Patriarchy is a term used for the social, economic, and political arrangements that emerge from cultural assumptions that give males authority over females and formal power over public policies & practices. Patriarchy is evident in the privileging of male perspectives and needs throughout society. PATRIARCHY

In million females (51%) of the population of the US Only 28% of professional & doctorate degrees were received by women in 1996 (35%) of those were in education Even with advanced degrees women still earned less than men, in general earning about 73 cents for every dollar men earn. CURRENT DEMOGRAPHICS

In 2000, women accounted for 59% of the population age 65 and older. Women outlive men due to longevity & the fact that older men tend to remarry women have higher poverty rates than older men. 12% older women are poor compared with 7% older men in Older women spend 22 percent to 53% of their income on out-of-pocket health care expenses. OLDER AMERICAN WOMEN

Across the lifespan women’s health differs from men largely due to economic factors. Cardiovascular disease is the number cause of death & disability for women, with AA having the highest rates. 80% of lung cancer in women is thought to be due to cigarette smoking, & higher for whites. 1/4 th of Americans living with AIDS in US are women. Large numbers of women are victims of physical, psychological, & sexual abuse. Violence is primarily partner abuse. HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH RISK FACTORS

Hx. women were viewed as property of their fathers & husbands in early history in need of male protection. Until mid 20 th century social norms viewed paid work as deviant for married women Right to vote for women 1920 after 51 yrs. Of advocacy. Feminists (NOW) organized efforts resulted in antidiscrimination laws in education & employment, changed gender roles, women’s status in public life, work, & family possible. HISTORICAL FACTORS

1963 Equal Pay Act required equal pay for women & men holding the same jobs.  1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act, allowed married women to obtain credit in their own names Civil rights Act extends protection to victims of intentional discrimination based on race, sexual harassment, gender inequality. WOMEN’S LEGAL RIGHTS

Gender System: Organizes society in terms of gender differences & gives males more power, prestige, more resources & privilege. Women breaking through barriers: Jane Addams 1 st US woman Nobel Peace Prize Winner; Sandra Day O’Conner 1 st woman on Supreme Court; Sally Ride 1 st in space; Wilma Mankiller Chief of Cherokee Nation; Barbara Harris, AA 1 st female Bishop CULTURAL FACTORS

This concept recognizes the interplay among class, race, gender, place women of color in subordinate social and economic positions relative to men of color & the majority of the white population. Lesbians are oppressed not only by sexism, but also by heterosexism, that is, the belief that heterosexuality is superior to & more natural than homosexuality. Discrimination, stigmatization, violence, & invisibility continue to affect gays & lesbians lives. TRIPLE OPPRESSION

SWk’s need to eliminate gender inequality within the profession as it affects female clients & workers. SWk’s need to understand gender, race, class, sexual orientation, age, & disability status as interconnected sources of female subordination. SWk’s must work to eliminate male dominance in clinical practice & schools of social work. SWk’s must work to eliminate stereotyping & discrimination for all clients & women. SOCIAL WORKERS AWARENESS