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.