PA 50 Lecture 13-14

Public Affairs and Gender Studies

  • Foundations and Debates in Public Thought

  • Professor Gary M. Segura

  • Departments: Public Policy, Chicano Studies, Political Science

  • Course Duration: Lectures 12-13

Unit on Gender/Sex

  • Overview: Initiation of a unit discussing Gender and Sex, emphasizing observable differences and their societal implications.

  • Nature of Gender Identity:

    • Gender identity includes both chosen and ascribed aspects.

    • Linked to biological reproduction: "Bodies that produce children are female bodies."

    • Not confined to reproductive mechanics; gender identity can be self-determined.

    • Constructs of gender surpass mere biological data, suggesting a broader societal construct.

Intellectual History of Feminist Struggle

  • Key Figures and Works:

    • Mary Wollstonecraft: A Vindication of the Rights of Women

    • Harriet Taylor Mill: The Enfranchisement of Women

    • Suffragette and Temperance Movements' involvement.

    • Twentieth Century Contributions:

      • Simone de Beauvoir: The Second Sex

      • Betty Friedan: The Feminine Mystique

    • Continuous influence of feminist thinkers post-1970.

Definitions of Patriarchy, Sexism, and Misogyny

  • Patriarchy: Gendered distribution of power across political, social, and economic spheres.

  • Sexism: Cultural forms of patriarchy manifesting in interpersonal relations or hierarchies.

  • Misogyny: Ingrained animosity towards women, often rooted in societal anxieties.

Aspects of Patriarchy

  • Property and Governance:

    • Women face late enfranchisement and primogeniture in dynastic roles.

    • Inheritance systems limiting women's rights.

  • Social Relations:

    • Decision-making authority dominated by men.

    • Child-rearing roles intersect with economic opportunities.

Exploration of Sexism

  • Beliefs of Innate Male Superiority:

    • Backed by pseudo-scientific claims.

    • Cultural interpretations justify the subordination of women.

    • Social norms dictate women's roles and expectations.

Understanding Misogyny

  • Consequences of Misogyny:

    • Manifestation in emotional and physical punishment reflecting adherence to gender norms.

    • Variety of perspectives on misogyny:

      • Moralistic: Expectation for women to conform to traditional roles.

      • Aggrieved: Resentment towards women's liberation.

      • Accusatory: Perception of women as untrustworthy.

Women and Sexism

  • Women can perpetuate sexist norms through internalized social expectations.

  • Fear of losing societal status or self-critique upon questioning patriarchal systems.

Intersection with Other Forms of Oppression

  • Social Dominance Orientation:

    • Relationship between sexism and white supremacy.

    • Systemic nature of patriarchy, affecting broader social relations and preventing reform.

Measuring Sexism

  • Types of Sexism:

    • Old Fashioned Sexism: Traditional views linking specific roles with gender.

    • Modern Sexism: Denial of discrimination, lingering biases towards women.

    • Ambivalent Sexism: Divided between hostile and benevolent sexism, with the latter exhibiting condescension despite seemingly positive attributes.

Measurement Scales for Sexism

  • Old-Fashioned vs. Modern Sexism Scales:

    • Attributes traditional beliefs to men and nurturing to women.

    • Modern sexism characterized by denial of ongoing issues and resentment towards women’s advancement.

Goldin's Observations on Economic Inequality

  • Notable causes for unequal pay discussed, including direct discrimination, socialized bargaining behavior, and career interruptions due to childbirth.

  • Emphasis that solutions require changes in labor market structures, emphasizing flexibility to reduce gender pay gaps.

Gender Pay Gaps Analysis

  • Contrary to common beliefs, pay disparities exist within occupations, irrespective of credentials.

  • Core Thesis: Work structures reward inflexibility and long hours, contributing to gender pay inequality.

Recommendations for Change

  • Enhance job structures for greater temporal flexibility to support gender equality in earnings.