Chapter 8 Gender Inequality Gender Stratification Sources of Gender Differences

Gender Stratification Sex: genetic definition; determines role in reproduction Gender: sociological distinction between males and females Gender identity: one’s self-concept of being male or female Gender roles: cultural expectations about behavioùr of each sex

Gender Stratification Sexism: gender inequality perpetuated by complex processes ― Individual level: belief that one sex is superior to the other Roles are primary cause of differential distribution of power, status, and income ― Institutional level: policies, procedures, and practices that produce unequal outcomes for men and women

Gender Stratification Patriarchy: system of social organization in which men have disproportionate share of power Are women a minority group? Prejudice and discrimination Physical and cultural traits Self-conscious social group Membership is involuntary Only endogamy does not apply to women

Gender Stratification Sexual Harassment and Rape Sexual harassment: “unwelcome” sexual attention, whether verbal or physical, that affects an employee’s job conditions or creates a “hostile” working environment Rape most violent form of sexual victimization Culture and gender inequality combine to powerfully influence prevalence of rape and sexual aggression

Gender Stratification Women’s Movement Substantial impact on way Americans think and act; legal and social equality Opportunities for women changed over past several decades Women still significantly disadvantaged As more women reach positions of economic, political, and social power, changes may occur at more rapid pace

Chapter 9 Political and Economic Power Power, Authority, and the State Political Power Economic Power The Sociology of Work

Power, Authority, and the State State: political institution The state rests on force: powerhouse basis is the threat or application of punishment A recent institution caused by surplus goods and services – not needed before then Domain of the state in Western nations has expanded over time (i.e. welfare state) As state has taken on more activities, it has become increasingly bureaucratic (more rules and procedures)

Power, Authority, and the State Sociological Perspectives on the State Functionalists: state essential social institution that evolved as societies moved from traditional to modern ways The state maintains order and provides for the common good Four primary functions: Planning and direction Enforcement of norms Arbitration of conflicting interests Protection against other societies

Power, Authority, and the State The Conflict Perspective Vehicle by which one or more groups impose their values and stratification system upon other groups State arising in history along with production of a social surplus An instrument of violence and oppression

Power, Authority, and the State Max Weber: threefold classification of authority Traditional: power legitimated by custom Legal-Rational: power legitimated by explicit rules and rational procedures Charismatic: power legitimated by extraordinary qualities of a leader Please give for each class of authority two examples

Political Power Politics: processes by which people and groups acquire and exercise power (not only government) Political power: power organised and wielded by the state Government: political processes that authoritatively formulate rules and policies that are binding

Political Power Totalitarianism: “Total state” where government controls all parts of society and all aspects of social life Contemporary North Korea; Nazi Germany; Stalin’s Russia Authoritarianism: government tolerates little or no opposition to its rule Cuba, Egypt Democracy Powers derive from the consent of the governed

The Significance of Work “Self-interest” Contributing place in society Major social mechanism The Importance of Control Jobs that permit occupational self-direction foster people’s intellectual flexibility Workplace conditions have emotional repercussions

Debate What is the significance of work besides income/money?