Sex and Gender Identity

Ch. 10, Sec. 1, pp. 308-115

What do you believe plays a larger role in determining gender, culture or biology? Explain.

Defining Male and FemaleSex-biological distinction between

male and femaleBiological determinism is the belief

that behavioral differences are the result of physical differencesMales are built to provide and

protectWomen are built to be passive and

perform domestic work

Defining Male and Female

Biological tendencies have been shown to be weak

Gender Identity is formed by culture and is not biological

Becoming a man or woman is a cultural process

Sex-BiologicalGender-Cultural

Biology of Males and FemalesMales have larger muscle-bone ratiosDifferent reproductive organs produce

different hormonesMale brain-more specialized, more

activity in adaptive, evolutionary responses side of brain

Female brain-tend to use both sides together, more developed region for social expression, use both ears

Biological DebateMale babies are more aggressiveMen-physical appearance, younger

mateWomen-slightly older, less emphasis

on looksStill aren’t sure the extent of biology

and culture

Margaret Meade’s Study Arapesh tribe study in which both

genders were cooperative, unaggressive, and empathetic (female)

Mundugumor tribe showed both genders to be ruthless and unresponsive to others needs

Tchambuli showed gender role reversal when compared to Western Society

Sociologists Perspective

Gender roles are not fixed at birthChildren treated like the opposite sex

by parents are easily socialized to it and resist changing back

There are many variations within each sex Competitive, aggressive women;

submissive, non-competitive men

Conclusions

While biological characteristics exist, gender identity can be modified through social influences (primary groups)

STOP HERE ON THURSDAY!!!

Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

Ch. 10, Sec. 2

pp. 316-321

Functionalism & Gender

Any behavior that does not help society will become unimportant

Division of male and female roles helped societyMen were larger and muscular, but

were also expendable Women were much more vital to

group’s chances of survival

Conflict and Gender

Men prevent women from gaining influence to sustain their status

Gender roles are outdated Marrying and having families later

have allowed women to enter the workforce

Symbolic Interactionism & GenderFocus is on gender socialization, how

boy’s and girl’s learn how to actParents, peers, teachers, media

Role of ParentsTransfer values and attitudes

regarding how boys and girls should behave

Toys given to each sexInfant girls are handled more gentlyBoys are often given more

“masculine” chores

Role of Schools

Teachers encourage different behaviors from boys and girls

Girls may be taught to be passive Boys were expected to be

assertive

Role of Peers

Peer acceptance or rejection greatly impacts self-concepts

Respect is given to those who most closely mirror traditional gender roles

Those who go against traditional roles are labeled

Gender Inequality

Ch. 10, Sec. 3

pp. 323-329

Women as a MinorityBiological determinism has led to

racism as well as sexism.Sexist ideology justifies male social

leadership positionsWhile women are gaining ground in

society, wide inequality gaps exist

Occupational Inequality

Over the last 30 years, women in the work force have increased significantly (46% of work force)

Occupational sex segregation has kept most of these women at low-status occupations

Women rarely hold high-status positions in the business world

Economic Inequality

In 1997, women earned $.75 to every $1.00 of men.

Gap has closed from $.60 in 1980This trend exists across all

occupations, even traditionally female jobs

World wide women almost always earn less, except in Australia

Legal InequalityBiases exist in some state laws

Health benefits for pregnancyRefusal to keep surname (last name)Protective legislation to limit work

hours, work load (Civil Rights Act)Women are more likely to miss work

than men which leads to hiring bias

Political InequalityNumber of women in elective

positions (governors, legislators) has been growing

Make up 50% of population but 13% of House of Representatives and 9% of Senate

Low percentages of women in appointed positions (cabinet, judges)

STOP HERE ON FRIDAY!!!

Aging and the Elderly in America

Ch. 10, sec. 4 & 5

pp.330-343

What is your overall opinion of the elderly? What role should they have in our society?

What is Ageism

Age stratification is one more way that society can be divided

Many elderly and young people face discrimination based on ageism.

Functionalism and AgeismElderly are treated according to the

role they playIf they play important roles they are

more highly regardedIf they are less useful to society their

status level dropsIncreased suicide rates at age 65 for

men

Conflict and AgeismThe elderly are competing with other

age groups for economic resources, power and prestige

Elderly are more necessary in a pre-industrial society

Ageism and stereotypes are weapons used by the dominant group to force the elderly from the labor market

Symbolic Interactionism and Ageism

Children learn negative stereotypes of elderly through the socialization process

Stereotypes of senility, forgetfulness, and stubbornness can not be applied to all members of the group (just like any other stereotype)

The Elderly Minority

Negative view of elderly came from early studies, most of which were done in institutions

Why are they a minority?

Elderly Economics

Elderly spend more money on health care and housing

About 20% of elderly are “poor”While some elderly live well off of

assets and retirement savings, most do not

Elderly Economics (cont)

Discrimination and poor economic situations for African American and Latino elderly are magnified w/ old age

Women of these same groups are one of the poorest segments of society

Discrimination in the workforce earlier has put elderly women at a high economic disadvantage

“Gray Power”Elderly have power in the political

systemVoter turnout for elderly is nearly

double that of those half their ageIf elderly could put differences aside,

they could become a very strong political voice

Membership in interest groups gains more power for the elderly