Class Discussion Make a list of the type of toys purchased for little boys and little girls. Consider how fathers and mothers play with their children and whether each of them play differently with daughters than with sons. Guiding questions a) What toys are considered to be girls toys? b) What toys are considered to be boys toys? c) What kind of toys are designed for both girls and boys? d) What effect does the culture in which a child lives have on her/his toys? e) How do fathers tend to play with sons/daughers? How physical is the contact? f) How do mothers tend to play with sons/daughters?

Group Discussion Come up with a list of the characteristics most commonly associated with each gender. Discuss how the various agents of socialization contribute to perpetuating these gender stereotypes.

SEX AND GENDER Deals with issues that refer to male’s and female’s unequal access to power, prestige and property. Gender stratification cuts across all aspects of social life– class, age, race etc.

Sex – biological characteristics that distinguish males and females. Primary sex characteristics Secondary sex characteristics

There are five distinguishable human sexes according to Anne Fausto-Sterling. Females – ovaries and female organs Ferms – ovaries but also penis Hermaphrodite – ovaries and testes Merms – testes but also clitoris/vagina Males – testes and male organs

Gender – this is socially constructed. We learn our gender Gender – this is socially constructed. We learn our gender. Significance of gender is that it is used for control. Social Construction of Gender – is the process of transforming males and females who differ rather minimally in biological terms into two groups that differ noticeably in appearance and opportunities. What is masculine and feminine depends on culture.

Margaret Mead found that.. - Among the Arapesh, both sexes were expected to be gentle, cooperative and maternal. - Among the Mundugumor, both sexes were expected to be fierce, combative, and selfish. - Among the Tchambuli, women dominated men. Men were preoccupied with romance and spent their time gossiping.

PATRIARCH AND SEXISM Patriarchy– social organization where men dominate Matriarchy – social organization where women dominate Sexism – belief that one sex is superior to the other. Why is sexism expensive?

SEXISM AND SOCIAL INTERACTION Consider the following quote from a female newspaper columnist “By whistling and yelling at attractive but insecure young men, we women may actually help them feel better about themselves, and give them new appreciation of their bodies. Some might say women were descending to the level of male street-corner oafs, but I’m willing to take that risk. If, with so little effort, I can bring joy to my fellow man, then I am willing to whistle at cute guys going down the street.” What do you think about this statement?

Gender socialization Gender roles – roles and attitudes and activities that culture links to each sex. Child play socializes children into different gender roles. Different treatment of boys and girls right from birth. Female infanticide – neglecting or killing of female fetuses and infants.

GLOBAL DEVALUATION OF WOMEN Widows have no inheritance rights in most parts of the world. Women are forced into prostitution Land is only inherited by male. One of the most serious forms of abuse is known as “bride burning” or dowry death.

In the US, devaluation is in terms of the belief that women cannot undertake certain actions. Sometimes the public devaluation of women hides a very different private reality.

Theoretical Analysis of Gender Structural Functional Analysis. Gender functions to organize social life. Both genders complement each other. Men take on instrumental and women take on expressive roles.

Social Conflict Analysis Explains social roles in terms of dominance, subordination, and sexism. Gender is a game of power. Feminism Advocates equality between men and women.

GENDER AND WORK GROUP WORK WE HAVE THREE JOBS; SECRETARY, CONSTRUCTION WORK, AND PILOT. YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER. WHOM WILL YOU EMPLOY, A MAN OR A WOMAN, TO FILL THESE POSITIONS. WHY DO YOU DECIDE SO?

Work is differentiated on the basis of sex and is different from culture. Devaluation of women’s work. Construction of gender on the job.

SEX INEQUALITY AT WORK Sex differentiation leads to unequal earnings, authority, and social status. Takes four forms: Sex segregation Sex differences in promotions Sex differences in authority Sex differences in earnings

Explanation for sex inequality in the workplace Cultural Beliefs - Based on stereotypes. Believe that certain jobs are only done by people of certain gender. - Relations between the sexes - A woman’s place

Efforts of men to preserve their advantage in the work place Men try to keep their priviledges by shunning women in certain occupations. Employers Action Through hiring. Through job assignments.

Why do employers treat female and male workers differently? Discrimination Statistical discrimination Customers’ and male workers opposition to women.