Sociology Chapter 10-2Sociology Chapter 10-2Theoretical Perspectives on GenderTheoretical Perspectives on Gender

Functionalism:Functionalism:

- Varied roles for men/women have - Varied roles for men/women have benefitted society.benefitted society.

- Men were assigned more dangerous - Men were assigned more dangerous tasks – they were expendable.tasks – they were expendable.

- Modern society has changed.- Modern society has changed.

FunctionalismFunctionalism

Conflict Theory and GenderConflict Theory and Gender Men want to keep the status quo.Men want to keep the status quo. Do not want women to gain access to Do not want women to gain access to

political, economic, and social resources.political, economic, and social resources. Some societies isolate women.Some societies isolate women. American women are seeking out roles American women are seeking out roles

traditionally held by men.traditionally held by men.

-- Marrying later. Marrying later.

- Having less children.- Having less children.

- Remaining single.- Remaining single.

- Younger when the nest empties.- Younger when the nest empties.

- Choosing to be single parents.- Choosing to be single parents.

Conflict TheoryConflict Theory

Indra NooyiCEOPepsi

Symbolic InteractionismSymbolic Interactionism Gender SocializationGender Socialization: The social : The social

process of learning to act male or process of learning to act male or female.female.

-- Parents role model. Parents role model.

- Gifts: clothes, toys, books, etc.- Gifts: clothes, toys, books, etc.

- Interactions: Rough play v. tea time.- Interactions: Rough play v. tea time.

Catch v. princessCatch v. princess

- Chores: Mowing the lawn v. doing - Chores: Mowing the lawn v. doing laundry. Cleaning the garage v. doing laundry. Cleaning the garage v. doing dishes.dishes.

Gender SocializationGender Socialization

Schools and Gender SocializationSchools and Gender Socialization Teachers often encourage different Teachers often encourage different

behaviors between boys & girls.behaviors between boys & girls.

- - Boys are allowed to be more assertive Boys are allowed to be more assertive than girls in the classroom.than girls in the classroom.

- Boys are supposed to excel in math & - Boys are supposed to excel in math & science.science.

Peers also influence gender Peers also influence gender socialization.socialization.- Teens who want to fit in adhere to - Teens who want to fit in adhere to

accepted gender roles.accepted gender roles.

Self-ReflectionSelf-Reflection

Do you feel pressured to conform to Do you feel pressured to conform to accepted gender behaviors?accepted gender behaviors?