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 GenderSex

The physical and biological differences between men and women.

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?

Transgender or transexual individuals Does it have to exist in binary oppositions?

Terminology

Transgender: a generic term for a person of one biological sex who displays characteristics of the opposite sex

Cross-dresser: a generic term for individuals who may dress or present themselves in the gender of the opposite sex

Sex and Gender Are differences in gender

between males and females natural to human beings?

Biological views Physiological differences The Sociological View

How comfortable are you with the gender roles our society defines as appropriate for males and females?

Activities? Professions? Media portrayals How about toys?

You know you want it!Ok, now he was close

Tried to domesticate youBut you're an animal

Baby, it's in your natureJust let me liberate you

You don't need no papersThat 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 Attitudes Motivations Behaviors

All considered appropriate to each sex according to their culture.

Terminology

Gender role: the behaviors assigned to women and men in a society Women are expected to nurture children.

Sex role: behaviors defined by biological constraints Only women can nurse infants.

Agents of Socialization

Agents of socialization are individuals and groups that influence development.

Family: parents and siblings Race/ethnicity: different

gender roles Peers: important throughout

the school years Religion: emphasis of some

on traditional roles

Agents of Socialization

Education: schools and teachers Economy: occupation sex segregation—

the concentration of men and women in different occupations

Mass media: movies, television, books, and magazines

Education Inequality

Consequences of Traditional Gender Role Socialization

• Less income: Women earn about 2/3 of what men earn.

• Feminization of poverty: disproportionate percentage of those living in poverty constituted by women living alone and with their children

Table 2.2: Women’s and Men’s Median Income with Similar Education

Consequences

Higher risk for sexually transmitted infections for women

Negative body image for women Sexism: an attitude, action, or institutional

structure that subordinates or discriminates against individuals and groups because of their sex

Less marital satisfaction for women

Consequences

Positive consequences for women: Longer life expectancy: 81.4 (women)

compared to 76.4 (men) Stronger relationship focus Keeping relationship on track Bonding with children

Consequences

Negative consequences for men:

Identity synonymous with occupation

Limited expression of emotions

Fear of intimacy Custody disadvantages Shorter life expectancy

Consequences

Positive consequences for men: Freedom of movement Greater pool of potential partners Norm of initiating a relationship