Sociology of Education and Gender Inequality

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in the sociology of education and gender inequality, focusing on definitions and theories related to achievement gaps, intelligence, gender roles, and political power.

Achievement Gap

The disparity in academic performance between poor working class students and their peers, which has increased over time.

Multiple Intelligences

The concept that intelligence is not a single trait but includes various types such as spatial, musical, interpersonal, and linguistic.

Credentialism

The emphasis on degrees or diplomas over actual knowledge or skills, which creates barriers to job access.

Hidden Curriculum

The unwritten, informal teachings in schools that convey social norms and values such as obedience and punctuality.

Cultural Capital

The attitudes, tastes, and practices that enable individuals to navigate social spaces and are often more prevalent among middle/upper class students.

Stereotype Threat

The risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group, which can adversely affect performance.

Gender Role Socialization

The process by which individuals learn the behaviors and expectations associated with their gender through societal agents.

Biological Essentialism

The belief that gender differences are inherent and natural, as opposed to being socially constructed.

Occupational Segregation

The concentration of men and women in different occupations, which leads to unequal pay and opportunities.

Motherhood Penalty

The disadvantages that mothers face in the workplace, including lower hiring rates and reduced salaries compared to non-mothers.

Political Rights

The rights individuals have to participate in the political process, including the right to vote and run for office.

Resource Mobilization Theory

The framework that emphasizes the importance of organizational resources and mobilization in social movements.

Fordism

An industrial system characterized by mass production and standardized goods, often associated with assembly line techniques.

Transnational Corporations

Companies that operate across national borders and often have branches in multiple countries, affecting global economies.

Intersectionality

The analysis of how different social categories such as race, class, and gender intersect to create unique experiences of oppression or privilege.