Chapter 9

Sexual harassmentUnwanted sexual attention or pressure

from someone of greater power Patriarchy

Social arrangement where men dominate women

Sexism Ideology maintaining women are inferior

to men, justifying discrimination

Sex…the biological and anatomical differences between males and females.Primary characteristics…genitalia used in

the reproductive processSecondary…the sexual characteristics that

develop Facial hair, breasts, voice pitch etc…

Gender…the socially and culturally constructed differences between males and females found in the practices associated with femininity and masculinity.

Sexual orientation refers to someone’s preference for relationships.Heterosexual…opposite sexHomosexual…same sexBisexual…both sexesHomosexual and bisexuals are much more

likely to be labeled negatively and discriminated against.

Homophobia…extreme prejudice towards those who are not heterosexual.

Gender role refers to the attitudes, behavior, and activities that are socially defined as appropriate each sex and learned through socialization.How does a male act?How does a female act?

Menstrong, rational, dominant, independent,

less concerned with appearance Women

weak, emotional, nurturing, dependent, anxious about appearance

Table 10-1, p. 290

p. 292

Sexism refers the subordination of one sex (usually female) based on the assumed superiority of the other sex. Involves prejudice, stereotyping and

discriminationMost commonly occurs in the workplaceMen can be victims of sexism as well

Between 1990 and 2004, the number of U.S. families headed by single mothers increased by about 25%.

This marks a change in the roles of many women, and may indicate that “traditional” households are in decline

Living spaceDesigns and artifacts in boys/girls rooms

Play Encouraging different roles through toys

DressClothing styles affect behavior

SchoolReading materials contain gender

stereotypes Advertising

Biased images exaggerated to sell product

p. 299

Children's clothing and toys reflect their parents' gender expectations.

Children are often assigned household tasks according to gender.

p. 298

p. 298

Peers help children learn gender-appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

During adolescence, peers often are more effective at gender socialization than adults.

College student peers play an important role in career choices and the establishment of long term, intimate relationships.

Teachers provide messages about gender through classroom assignments and informal interactions with students.

Teachers may unintentionally show favoritism toward one gender over the other.

p. 300

From elementary school through high school: Boys play football.Girls are cheerleaders, members of the drill

team, and homecoming queens. For many males, sports is a training

ground for masculinity.

On television: Male characters typically are more

aggressive, constructive, and direct. Females are deferential toward others

or use manipulation to get their way. Stars are often idolized and may be

negative role models as people feel they must live the unrealistic lifestyles portrayed on TV

Fig. 10-CO, p. 287

p. 304

As men and women enter adulthood, they continue to develop gender socialization.Gender roles are carried out in the

workplace Women’s work vs. Men’s work Family plans Success relative to age

Women are portrayed as more successful when young

p. 308

p. 309

Feminism…the belief that women and men are equal and should be valued as such.

Working women Increased participation of women in all

aspects of labor force is a recent change Work segregation

Certain job categories (clerical and service) still dominated by women

Second shift: still strong household obligations

Income inequalityWomen, on average, earn less than men

SexismWomen are best suited for certain jobs or

should stay at home Lack of qualifications

Men have greater experience The Glass Ceiling

Difficulties for women to rise to top positions

Networking “old boy” network excludes women

Earn 81% of what men make (up) 46% labor force participation (down)

Slower recovery for women from recession 79% in health, 68% education, 43%

professional/technical 24% CEO’s earning 75% of men in those

positions 60% of low wage working force

Conflict Theory…it is to men’s advantage to prevent women from reaching their full potential, maintaining the status quo.

Symbolic Interactionism…boys and girls learn gender roles through socialization.

Functionalist Theory…roles of men and women are divided to benefit, and provide functions to, society.

Stereotypes? What are the roles that they can/do play

in society?

Age stratification…the idea that there is unequal distribution of resources based on age (like social class).

Ageism…a set of beliefs and attitudes towards the elderly that helps one justify prejudice and discrimination towards the elderly.

Senile Unable to learn new skills Immobile Mean

Poverty for elderly is measured differently than for others.Assumption that they need lessAlthough statistics say poverty among the

elderly is decreasing, it is a growing problem

Many are “hidden poor”…in institutions etc…

Living on fixed incomes

Largest turnout of any voter group. Very diverse so often do not agree on

many issues. If elderly had a unifying voice, they

would have the potential for “gray power.”