1. Gender Inequity in the United States
Chapter 11
Pages

2. The Rise of Feminism Early days: Women did not have any rights
Feminism: men and women should be politically, economically, and social equal
1st wave: known as suffragists-early 1900’s
Radicals: changing all aspects
Conservatives: right to vote (dominated)
2nd wave: focused on women’s working conditions and other social reforms-1960’s
Liberal and Conservatives share similar goals, but have differing ideas of what gender equality looks like
Continues to shape public policy today

3. Education Early beliefs
Women controlled by wombs
Not able to handle as much education as males
Males received more education than females, but…
The GAP has closed! Overall more females enter college and earn degrees vs. males
Questions as to what TYPE of degrees though…..
Male vs. female “professions/degrees”
Gender socialization? From where? Effects of this? Is it changing? Should it change?
What about pay in these fields?
History still dominates in some areas
Cheerleading?
Male vs. female cheerleading
Funding for sports? Title IX? What about CHS? Equality in sports?

4. Everyday Life Devaluation of Feminine terms/labels Conversation
Insults
“You throw like a girl!”
Performance not up to par—referred to as “little girls” or “ladies” or “wearing a skirt”
Sociologists/Behavioralists believe that these insults are powerful and significant. Do you?
Examples?
Conversation
Men’s conversation topics are generally considered more important/appropriate (scenario on page 301)
Men dominate conversations
Interrupt more—especially if a woman talking
More powerful position—talk down to women
WHERE DO YOU SEE EVIDENCES OF THIS TODAY?

5. Gender Inequality Issues in the workplace in the United States page 302-308
Pay Gap
Mommy Penalty
Mommy Track
Glass Ceiling
Glass Escalator
Names
General names
Titles of jobs
Sexual Harassment

6. The Pay Gap Shows up at all levels of degrees and working.
The Gap is BIG:
½ due to gender discrimination
½ due to career choice and education (men choose higher paying jobs—but why are they higher paying?)
Today: 79% (Average) for all full time working women
Pay Gap:
Critics: Job choice of women—they CHOOSE those jobs. See Article.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Take a stand sheet!

7. Glass Ceiling
Glass Ceiling: Invisible barrier that keeps women out of executive positions
Women are better at filling “support positions”
Male executives prefer to surround themselves with those that look like them—next leaders
Other gender stereotypes
Ceiling is cracking
Women are adapting to “men’s roles” and playing by “men’s rules”
Many women are reaching high positions—still not equal
Women hold 24 (4.8%) CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies-2015

8. The Mommy Track Fast Track: Straight to the top
Mommy Track/Zigzag Track: Less commitment to work and more commitment to family
Critics:
Perpetuate the stereotype—there is no “daddy track”
Contributes to the pay gap and discrimination
Mommy penalty
Solution:
Husbands take on more house/child care responsibilities
On site daycare
Flexible working hours
Parental leave without penalty

9. Glass Escalator
Glass Escalator: Men who advance quickly and do not encounter discrimination and inequality in traditional “women’s jobs”
Motor: Gender
Drives the Motor: Males are more capable

10. What’s in a name? Traditional name more advantages?
Titles? More important=more masculine?
Gender specific/gender socialization of jobs
Affect societal view of job? Impact?
Change the name/titles of jobs to be more equitable or have we become too sensitive?
Example: Stewardess vs. flight attendant or
Freshmen? Are they all “men”?

11. Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment: Un-welcomed sexual attention that affects a person’s job performance or creates a hostile work environment
Prior to 1979—personal matter
After 1979—structural problem: Men/Women abusing their positions of authority
Vague meaning—does not always include sexual desire. Homosexual vs. heterosexuals