Concepts

Concepts

Gender: social construction. Constellation of traits and behaviors that compose the categories masculine and feminine

Gender identity: set of gendered characteristics that an individual adopts as part of her/his self

Sexual orientation

Sociobiology and
Structural Functionalism

Link between biology and social behavior

Biological differences led to gender roles

Women’s reproductive role

Other domestic duties

Men’s physically and emotionally stronger

Economic provider
Protector of the family

Role division is FUNCTIONAL

Critique

Gender differences as natural justifies gender inequality--sexism

Sexism:

Attitudinal: prejudice

Behavioral: discrimination

Unequal access to resources

Natural suggests immutability

Feminist Sociology

Impossible to determine the influence of biology

Complex interrelation between biology and culture

Gender is socially constructed

Gender based on sex

Sexual division of labor

Social regulation of sexuality

Systems of Gender Inequality

Matriarchy

Women dominate

Feminine traits are more highly valued

Few societies--weak historical record. Horticultural and pastoral

Patriarchy

Men dominate

Masculine traits are more highly valued

Linked to agricultural societies

Cross-cultural Research

Every known society has a division of labor by sex and age

Our own society's definitions of masculinity and femininity are not universals

A gendered division of labor does not necessarily produce gender inequality

Women’s capacity to bear children is not the only definition of female role in society

More Conclusions

Non-biological factors--resources, group size, economy and ideology--play as important part as biology in determining gender roles

Unlike sexual differences, gender is fluid and gender orientation might change over time

Learning Gender Roles

Home

Engendered definition of traits

Encouraging engendered behaviors

Dressing in sex typed clothes

Peers

Schools: hidden curriculum

The media: symbolic annihilation

Social Problems Linked to
Gender Stratification

Sex segreg