The Architecture of Inequality Sex and Gender

1. The Architecture of Inequality Sex and Gender

2. Biology, Culture, and Behavior • Biological Determinism – Theory that behavior is the result of inherited physical characteristics. (This is often overridden by cultural and social influences.) • Sex is Biological – Male and Female • Gender – Gender identity refers to the attributes and dispositions that cultures attribute to each sex. • An awareness of being masculine (male) or feminine (female) based on learned cultural values and social expectations. • Traits are acquired through a persons culture

3. Biology, Culture, and Behavior How do sociologists view behavior? • The majority of sociologists argue that gender-related behavior is not primarily the result of biology. They believe it has both biological and cultural causes.

4. Perspectives on Gender Functionalist, Interactionism, and Conflict Theory • Functionalists focus on the origins of gender differences • Conflict theorists look at the reasons gender differences exist • Interactionism focuses on how boys and girls are supposed to act, referred to as Gender Socialization Discussion Questions • How do parents contribute to gender socialization? • Do schools reinforce gender socialization? If so, how? • How do peers contribute to gender socialization?

5. Gender Inequality Occupational Gender/Sex Segregation There are more women in lower status positions across the globe. This varies from society to society and from culture to culture.

6. Sexism • Sexism– A system of beliefs that asserts the inferiority of one sex and justifies discrimination based on gender • Patriarchy– Society in which males have higher prestige • Matriarchy– Society in which females have higher prestige (Rarer around the world) Ageism • Ageism – A prejudice or discrimination on the basis of a person's age

7. Gender Inequality and the Economy • Women have less earning power than men, even though almost half of all United States workers are women • Work segregation and wage gaps are still common • 92% of nurses are women, but 32.2% of doctors • 96.6% of dental hygienists, but 30% of dentists • Every $1.00 a man earns, a woman earns 77 cents • Women ages 45-64 earn only 73% of men’s wages • Global Phenomenon

9. Good news, ladies!

10. Femininity and Masculinity • What does it mean to behave in a feminine or masculine way? • Body Movements • Communication Patterns • Patterns of dress, hair, and physical presentation • Media Stereotypes

11. Gender Inequality in the Media Double-edged sword for gender ads • Perfect wife/mother/career woman • Reduces Customer Base? • Seductive Sex Object

13. Deodorant

14. Razors

15. Ear Plugs

16. Easy Bake Oven

17. Legos

18. Magazine Covers