sociology chapter 10 inequalities of gender and age
TRANSCRIPT
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Gender roles are outdated Marrying and having families later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