Inequalities of Gender and Age Kat, Sarah, Jessica, Lauren and Emily

Sex and Gender Identity (Section 1) Sex- the biological distinction between male and female. Biological determinism- principle that behavioral differences are the result of inherited physical characteristics. Gender Identity- a sense of being male or female based on learned cultural values.

Males are assumed to be more naturally more aggressive Females are assumes to be built for providing and protecting Females are believed to be naturally more passive than males and in greater need of protection Sociologists are part of an ongoing debate concerning reasons for gender differences

Recent research indicates that the brains of men and women are slightly different in structure. Men and women in a bunch of different cultures are associated with some distinctly different ways of behaving. The majority of sociologists argue that gender-related behavior is not primarily the result of biology.

Though there has been much research, behavioral differences between the sexes have not been able to prove that any particular behavior has a biological cause. Biological characteristics can also be modified through social influences. Human behavior is the result of multiple causes.

Theoretical Perspectives on Gender (section 2) Functionalists argue that any pattern of behavior that does not benefit society will become unimportant. According to functionalism, the diversion of responsibilities between males and females survived because it benefited human living. Today, functionalists recognize that the traditional division of labor has created problems, or dysfunctions for modern society.

Conflict and Theory Gender According to conflict theory: – It is men’s advantage to prevent women from gaining access to political, economic and social resources. If men can prevent women from developing their potential. They can maintain the status quo. By keeping the traditional division of labor intact, men can preserve the privileges they enjoy.

Symbolic Interactions and Gender Symbolic integrationists focus on how boys and girls learn to act the way they are “supposed to act”. – Gender socialization: the social process of learning how to act like a boy or girl. Gender socialization at: – Home: from birth, parents contribute to this by dressing their children in pink/blue clothing, action figures/dolls, ect. – School: boys are expected to be more assertive (ex. Yelling out answers is more expected), while girls are expected to be reserved and raise their hands – Peer Groups: teens who most closely mirror traditional gender roles (male football players, girl cheerleaders) are generally given the greatest respect, whereas “feminine boys” and “masculine girls” are given a lower status

Gender Inequality (section 3) Sexism- a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms, and values used to justify gender inequality. Occupational sex segregation- the concentration of women in lower-status positions.

Sex discrimination disappearing? Sex discrimination is and isn’t disappearing. Some segments of American society have had more positive attitudes towards women, though the negativity still occurs. The educational aspect of women working has increased as well. Though they are beginning to increase their work level, their jobs are still lower-status occupations. Women now work about seven days to earn as much as men earn in five days. As of race and ethnicity, white women earn 82 percent of what men earn, African American women earn 71 percent, Asian women earn the highest, and Latino women the lowest.

Occupational and Economic Inequality Women are also completely forgot about through politics, and laws. All of the law makings and laws are completely sexual bias against the political power of women and men. There are differences by gender in even criminal law as well. Women appear to be participating in elective politics at an increasing rate. Although women constitute more then half the population, they hold a relatively small proportion of important political positions.

Ageism (section 4) Age satisfaction: the unequal distribution of scarce resources (power, wealth and prestige) based on age Ageism: a set of beliefs, attitudes, norms and values used to justify prejudice and discrimination against a particular age group

Elderly people in society are treated according to the role the aged play in society In agricultural societies, elder males usually play important roles, such as the role of priest or elder The longer one lived the more likely he or she was chosen to go to heaven Attitudes about aging changed greatly as industrialization changed the nature of work

Since modern societies were changing rapidly, younger workers were more likely to possess the current skills needed in the workplace As individuals get older their skills are more likely to be out of date Men have greater difficulty in older age than women because they have been socialized in a culture that encourages men to identify strongly with work while they are younger, but denies them a sense of value after retirement

Like racism, ageism involves creating negative stereotypes Most old people are not senile or forgetful Most elderly people are able to learn new things and adapt to change Some older people do fit one or more of these stereotypes but so do young people

Inequality in America’s Elderly Population (section 5) Elderly people are seen as a minority group America’s public has a negative view of elderly people Poverty rates are measure differently for older people because the federal government assumes they need less money to live on 9.8% of elderly people live in poverty – If measured by standards for younger age categories 15% of the elderly live in poverty

Economic Stability Only a small percentage of elderly people are wealthy Elderly women are most likely to live in poverty because as a young girl they were not encouraged to work, so they are unable to support themselves Elderly people are better off than they were 4 decades ago but there is still much improvement needed

Voting Americans aged 65+ are the most active voters in presidential and congressional elections Lack of unity in voting of elderly people prevents them from achieving power Interest groups: organized to influence political decision making

Jessica and quiz Kat Sarah and quiz Emily and activity Lauren and activity