Gender stratification examines how societies distribute power and resources based on gender. It analyzes systematic differences in social positions between men and women, connecting to broader themes of inequality and power dynamics in social stratification.
The topic covers key elements like unequal distribution of wealth and privilege, historical development of the concept, and theoretical perspectives. It explores gender roles, socialization, education, workplace dynamics, political power, and intersectionality to understand how gender shapes social experiences and outcomes.
Concept of gender stratification
Examines how societies distribute power, resources, and opportunities based on gender
Analyzes the systematic differences in social positions and life chances between men and women
Connects to broader themes of social inequality and power dynamics within Social Stratification
Definition and key elements
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Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality | Sociology View original
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Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original
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Conceptualizing Structures of Power | Introduction to Women Gender Sexuality Studies View original
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Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality | Sociology View original
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Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original
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Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality | Sociology View original
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Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original
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Conceptualizing Structures of Power | Introduction to Women Gender Sexuality Studies View original
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Putting It Together: Gender, Sex, and Sexuality | Sociology View original
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Theoretical Perspectives of Race and Ethnicity | Introduction to Sociology View original
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Hierarchical ordering of individuals in society based on their perceived gender
Includes unequal distribution of wealth, power, and privilege between genders
Manifests in various social institutions (family, education, workplace, politics)
Intersects with other forms of stratification (race, class, sexuality)
Historical development of concept
Emerged from feminist movements and scholarly work in the mid-20th century
Evolved from focus on women's rights to broader gender studies
Influenced by changing social norms and increased women's participation in public spheres
Expanded to include non-binary and transgender experiences in recent years
Theoretical perspectives
Functionalist view argues gender roles serve societal needs for stability
Conflict theory focuses on power imbalances and systemic oppression
Symbolic interactionism examines how gender is constructed through daily interactions
critiques patriarchal structures and advocates for gender equality
Gender roles and socialization
Explores how individuals learn and internalize gender-specific behaviors and expectations
Analyzes the process of gender identity formation throughout the life course
Relates to Social Stratification by examining how early socialization impacts later life outcomes
Primary agents of socialization
Family shapes initial gender expectations through parenting styles and role modeling
Educational institutions reinforce or challenge through curriculum and interactions
Peer groups influence gender behavior through social pressure and group dynamics
Media portrays gender roles and stereotypes, impacting individual perceptions
Religious institutions often promote traditional gender roles and expectations
Gender stereotypes and norms
Prescriptive beliefs about characteristics and behaviors associated with each gender
Include assumptions about masculinity (strength, assertiveness) and femininity (nurturing, passivity)
Vary across cultures and change over time
Can lead to gender role strain when individuals don't conform to expectations
Perpetuated through various social mechanisms (media, language, social sanctions)
Impact on individual development
Shapes career aspirations and educational choices
Influences self-concept and identity formation
Affects interpersonal relationships and communication styles
Can limit or expand opportunities based on perceived gender appropriateness
Contributes to gender-based differences in mental health outcomes and coping strategies
Gender inequality in education
Analyzes disparities in educational access, experiences, and outcomes based on gender
Examines how educational institutions perpetuate or challenge gender stratification
Connects to broader themes of social mobility and opportunity structures in Social Stratification
Access to education
Historical barriers to women's education in many societies
Persistent gender gaps in enrollment rates, especially in developing countries
Factors affecting access include cultural norms, economic constraints, and safety concerns
Improvements in girls' education linked to positive societal outcomes (economic growth, health)
Ongoing challenges in STEM fields for women and girls
Academic performance disparities
Variations in subject-specific achievement (girls often outperform in reading, boys in math)
Gender differences in standardized test scores and college admission rates
Impact of stereotype threat on academic performance and self-efficacy
Shift in overall educational attainment favoring women in many developed countries
Persistence of gender segregation in certain fields of study (engineering, nursing)
Gender bias in curriculum
Underrepresentation of women's contributions in textbooks and course materials
Gender stereotypes in educational materials and teaching practices
Hidden curriculum reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations
Efforts to develop gender-inclusive curricula and teaching methods
Impact of teacher expectations and biases on student performance and aspirations
Gender and the workplace
Examines how gender shapes employment opportunities, experiences, and outcomes
Analyzes persistent inequalities in the labor market based on gender
Relates to Social Stratification by exploring how workplace dynamics contribute to overall social inequality
Occupational segregation
Concentration of men and women in different types of jobs and industries
Horizontal segregation refers to differences across occupations (nurses vs. engineers)
Vertical segregation describes unequal distribution in hierarchical positions
Contributes to wage disparities and limits career advancement opportunities
Influenced by socialization, discrimination, and work-family balance considerations
Gender pay gap
Persistent difference in average earnings between men and women
Factors contributing to the gap include discrimination, , and work hours
Varies across countries, industries, and demographic groups
Motherhood penalty impacts women's earnings and career trajectories
Efforts to address the gap include pay transparency laws and equal pay legislation
Glass ceiling vs glass escalator
describes invisible barriers preventing women from reaching top positions
Manifests through lack of mentorship, exclusion from informal networks, and biased promotion practices
Glass escalator refers to advantages men experience in female-dominated professions
Men often fast-tracked to management positions in fields like nursing and teaching
Both phenomena contribute to persistent gender inequality in career advancement and leadership roles
Gender and political power
Analyzes the distribution of political influence and representation based on gender
Examines barriers and opportunities for women's participation in formal political structures
Connects to broader themes of power dynamics and decision-making in Social Stratification
Women in government
Historical underrepresentation of women in elected and appointed positions
Gradual increase in women's political participation globally over past century
Variations in women's representation across different levels of government (local vs. national)
Impact of gender quotas and other affirmative action measures on women's political participation
Challenges faced by women in politics (media scrutiny, balancing family responsibilities)
Voting rights and patterns
Historical struggle for women's suffrage across different countries
Gender differences in voter turnout and political engagement