Gender Stratification Chapter 11

Learning Objectives  Contrast biological and sociological views of sex and gender.  What is gender stratification?  Do we live under a patriarchal ideology.  How do we learn gender-roles.  Describe gender differences in the world of work.  Be aware of the effect of changes in gender roles in U.S. society.

Sex and Gender Sex  The physical and biological differences between men and women. Evident by physical distinctions in anatomical, chromosomal, hormonal, and physiological characteristics. Evident by physical distinctions in anatomical, chromosomal, hormonal, and physiological characteristics.Gender  The social, psychological, and cultural attributes of masculinity and femininity that are based on the previous biological distinctions.

Sex and Gender  Can you think of instances where the experiences of males and females are complicated by issues of sex and gender?  Gay, bisexual, pansexual  Intersexed individuals What should you write on the birth certificate? What should you write on the birth certificate?  Transgender or transexual individuals Does it have to exist in binary oppositions? Does it have to exist in binary oppositions?

Sex and Gender  Are differences in gender between males and females natural to human beings? Biological views Biological views Physiological differences Physiological differences The Sociological View The Sociological View

 How comfortable are you with the gender roles our society defines as appropriate for males and females? Activities? Activities? Professions? Professions? Media portrayals Media portrayals How about toys? How about toys?

You know you want it! Ok, now he was close Tried to domesticate you But you're an animal Baby, it's in your nature Just let me liberate you You don't need no papers That man is not your maker And that's why I'm gon' take a Good girl Soo, exactly what blurred lines is the song referring to?

Gender-Role Socialization  Lifelong process whereby people learn: Values Values Attitudes Attitudes Motivations Motivations Behaviors Behaviors All considered appropriate to each sex according to their culture. All considered appropriate to each sex according to their culture.

Erik Erikson Encouraged to pursue role paths that will prepare them for an occupational commitment Boys Encouraged to develop behavior patterns designed to attract a suitable mate Girls

What Produces Gender Inequality? Two theoretical approaches have been used to explain dominance and gender inequality. FunctionalismConflict 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. 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. Family functions best when roles are assigned. Instrumental role – the fatherInstrumental role – the father Expressive role – the motherExpressive role – the mother

The Conflict Viewpoint  Friedrich Engels Acknowledgment of early functionalist based gender roles Acknowledgment of early functionalist based gender roles Linked modern gender inequality to economic system, capitalism Linked modern gender inequality to economic system, capitalism Concentration of wealth in hands of powerful/menConcentration of wealth in hands of powerful/men Subordination of women follows Subordination of women follows Perception that current gender role division is dysfunctional and economically regressivePerception that current gender role division is dysfunctional and economically regressive

Job Discrimination

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

Education Inequality