Essentials of Sociology - Gender Inequality

Lecture Notes: Essentials of Sociology - Chapter 9 Gender Inequality

Introduction to the Big Questions

  • Big Question #1: Are gender differences due to nature, nurture, or both?

    • Evaluate the extent of differences between women and men.
    • Investigate biological factors vs. social and cultural influences.
    • Understand the concept of the gender binary:
    • Definition: The classification of sex and gender into two distinct, opposite, and nonoverlapping forms, masculine and feminine.
    • Learn about nonbinary identification:
    • Definition: A gender identity that does not fit into the male-female binary.

  • Big Question #2: How do gender inequalities play out in social institutions?

    • Acknowledge that gender differences are part of social structure, creating inequalities between genders.
    • Explore forms of gender inequality across various institutions globally including:
    • Workplace
    • Family
    • Educational system
    • Political system

  • Big Question #3: Why are women the target of violence?

    • Study specific ways women face physical and sexual violence internationally.

  • Big Question #4: How does social theory explain gender inequality?

    • Review various theoretical explanations for gender inequality, including feminist theories.

  • Big Question #5: How can we reduce gender-based aggression?

    • Examine efforts by women and men to challenge sexism and sexual violence, especially in workplaces and on college campuses.

Are Gender Differences Due to Nature, Nurture, or Both?

  • Part 1: Gender Binary and Nonbinary

    • Gender Binary: The classification of gender roles.
    • Nonbinary: Individuals whose gender identity does not conform to traditional binary classifications.

  • Part 2: Sex vs. Gender

    • Sex: Biological and anatomical distinctions between females and males.
    • Gender: Social expectations regarding behavior deemed appropriate for each sex.

  • Part 3: The Role of Biology

    • Biological Essentialism: Theory positing that gender differences are natural and inherent based on biological attributes.

  • Part 4: Gender Socialization

    • Processes through which individuals learn gender roles via:
    • Schooling
    • Peer interactions
    • Media influence
    • Family upbringing

  • Part 5: Cross-Cultural and Historical Findings

    • Examination of different cultures revealing varied gender norms:
    • New Guinea
    • The !Kung: Indigenous people exploring gender flexibility.
    • Bacha Posh in Afghanistan: Cultural practice allowing girls to live and act as boys until puberty.
    • Noteworthy is the blurring of gender boundaries in these contexts.

How Do Gender Inequalities Play Out in Social Institutions?

  • Part 1: Definition of Key Terms

    • Patriarchy: System where men hold primary power and dominance over women.
    • Gender Inequality: Unequal access to wealth, income, status based on gender.

  • Part 2: Education

    • Issues regarding unequal treatment in academic settings.
    • Gendering of College Majors: Common majors that differ in gender concentration.

  • Part 3: Gender Segregated Majors

    • Table 9.1: Data showing concentration of women vs. men in various majors along with median earnings:
    • Highest Concentration of Women:
      • Example: Early Childhood Education, Median Earnings: $36,000, Percentage Women: 97%
    • Highest Concentration of Men:
      • Example: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Median Earnings: $82,000, Percentage Men: 97%

  • Part 4: Women and the Workplace

    • Exploring women’s labor force participation trends over the decades, showing historic participation gains.

  • Part 5: Earnings Gap

    • Figure 9.2: Women's earnings as a percentage of men's, showcasing the disparities over years from 1979 to 2017 indicating progress, yet persistent inequality (e.g., at 81.8% in 2017).

  • Part 6: Specific Workplace Inequalities

    • Glass Ceiling: Invisible barriers preventing women from advancing in their careers despite qualifications.
    • Sexual harassment: Prevalence of harassment in workplace environments.

  • Part 7: Economic Inequality

    • Global perspective on economic disparities faced by women in various regions.

  • Part 8: Family Dynamics

    • Motherhood Penalty: Economic disadvantage women face due to motherhood, affecting their careers.
    • Second Shift: Additional domestic responsibilities women take on at home post work hours.

Why Are Women the Target of Violence?

  • Definition of Rape: Engaging in nonconsensual acts of sexual intercourse.
  • Understanding Sexual Violence and Rape Culture:
    • Rape Culture: Context that normalizes sexual violence and objectification of women.
    • Toxic Masculinity: Norms of masculinity that promote unhealthy behaviors and attitudes in boys that can lead to violence against women.

How Does Social Theory Explain Gender Inequality?

  • Functionalist Approaches: Examining the societal functions of gender roles.
  • Feminist Approaches: Highlighting centrality of gender and the varied feminist theories:
    • Liberal Feminism: Focus on civil rights and education as means to eliminate gender inequality.
    • Radical Feminism: Examines the effects of male dominance across all areas of life.
    • Black Feminism and Transnational Feminism: Exploring the experiences and intersectionality of gender, race, and class.

How Can We Reduce Gender-Based Aggression?

  • Strategies and methods proposed to combat sexual violence and challenge sexism.

Globalization by the Numbers: Gender Inequality

  • Gender Inequality Index (GII): Measures gender disparities in areas such as education, labor force participation, and political representation.
    • Key statistics from various countries concerning educational attainment, labor force involvement, and parliamentary positions held by women.

Clicker Questions & Discussion

  • Discussing concepts such as the difference between sex and gender, definitions of patriarchy, gender earnings gap evolution, reasons behind sexual violence, and occupation gender typing.
  • Example questions:
    • What does it mean to 'do gender'?
    • What is the definition of patriarchy?
    • Discussing social context explaining violence against women and examining cultural perceptions concerning these issues.