CHAPTER 9 Gender and Sexuality

FEMALE-MALE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

Distinguishing Concepts Sex—the biological characteristics with which we were born Chromosomes, anatomy, hormones Gender—learned attitudes and behaviors that characterize people of one sex or the other Based on social and cultural expectations

Distinguishing Concepts Gender identity—a perception of self as either male or female Gender roles—characteristics, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that society expects of females and males Gender stereotypes—expectations about how people will look, act, think, and feel based on their sex

CONTEMPORARY GENDER STRATIFICATION AND INEQUALITY

Gender Inequality Sexism—an attitude or behavior that discriminates against one sex, usually women, based on assumed superiority of the other sex Gender stratification—people’s unequal access to wealth, power, status, prestige, and other valued resources

Examples of Gender Inequality Women whose names indicate their gender are more likely to experience online harassment (cybersexism). By third grade, boys outperform girls in math and science while girls excel at reading. Women tend to be elementary teachers while males are hired as professors.

Gender Pay Gap The gender pay gap refers to the income difference between males and females. Pay gap increases as the level of educational attainment increases.

Education and the Gender Pay Gap

Explanations for the Pay Gap Women choose fields with lower earnings. Women are clustered in jobs requiring nurturing but are paid less in other occupations as well. Women get stuck under a glass ceiling. Men are routinely promoted over women. Mothers are more likely than fathers to make work adjustments for children.

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment—any unwanted sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other conduct of a sexual nature Includes: Verbal behavior (demands for sexual favors in exchange for promotion) Nonverbal behavior (suggestive gestures or posters) Physical contact (unwanted touching)

Pregnancy Discrimination Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978—federal law prohibiting firing, demoting, or penalizing an employee because of pregnancy The EEOC reports a rise in pregnancy discrimination in recent years.

Gender and Politics U.S. lags behind many other countries in women’s political empowerment. In many important offices, only 1 in 4 decision-makers is a woman.

Women in Elective Office

SEXUALITY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Transgendered People Transsexuals—born with one sex but choose to live their life as another sex Intersexuals—medical classification at birth is not clearly male or female Transvestites—cross-dress at times

Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation—a preference for sexual partners of the same sex, of the opposite sex, both sexes, or neither sex Homosexuals—attracted to people of the same sex Heterosexuals—attracted to people of the opposite sex Bisexuals—attracted to members of both sexes Asexuals—lack interest in sex

Sexual Scripts A sexual script specifies the formal or informal norms for legitimate or unacceptable sexual activity, who are eligible sexual partners, and boundaries of sexual behavior Gender, race, and ethnicity shape sexual scripts.

Homosexuality About 4% of Americans identify themselves as homosexual and almost 5% describe themselves as bisexual. 18% have had same-sex sexual contact.

Reactions to Homosexuality Heterosexism—a belief that heterosexuality is superior and natural Homophobia—the fear and hatred of homosexuality Acceptance of gay rights is growing.

Something to Think About Why are people sometimes opposed to sexuality differences?

SOME CURRENT CONTROVERSIES ABOUT GENDER AND SEXUALITY

Abortion Abortion—the expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus Abortion was outlawed in the 1800s and legalized again in 1973 with Roe v. Wade. The abortion rate has decreased steadily since 1980. It is most common among young, never-married women.

Abortion Controversy Americans are almost equally divided on the issue of abortion. Slightly more describe themselves as pro-life. No research evidence supports the argument that abortions are physically or mentally dangerous.

Something to Think About What do you think the laws about abortion should be?

Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage—legally recognized marriage between 2 people of the same sex Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. Civil unions (domestic partnerships, registered partnerships) are legal in some states.

Same-Sex Unions A majority of Americans support civil unions. A majority of Americans oppose same-sex marriage.

Pornography Pornography—the graphic depiction of images that causes sexual arousal In the U.S., pornography is a $15 billion industry. Over 90% of Internet pornography viewers are men. Pornography remains a controversial subject.

Discussion What do you think the laws about pornography should be?

SOCIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS OF GENDER INEQUALITY AND SEXUALITY

Functionalism Functionalism views the division of gender roles as functional for society. Males play an instrumental role. Females play an expressive role. Orderly sexuality is critical for reproduction of society.

Conflict Theory Conflict theory sees gender inequality as built into the social structure. Capitalism explains complementary roles. Men’s domination of women is the result of gender power differences.

Feminist Theory Feminist theories emphasize women’s subordination. Feminist theorists point to sexuality as the root of inequality.

Types of Feminism Liberal feminism maintains that gender equality can be achieved through equal civil rights and equal opportunities. Radical feminism contends that patriarchy is the reason for women’s oppression. Multiracial feminism maintains that gender, race, and social class intertwine to form a hierarchical stratification system.

Symbolic Interactionism Symbolic interaction theory focuses on the everyday processes that produce and reinforce gender roles. Our view of reality, including gender, is a social construction. Inequality results from learning gender roles and learning sexuality.

How do we “create” or “do” gender? Discussion How do we “create” or “do” gender?

Application Which theory is it? Inequality results from the capitalist system. Inequality in society is the result of men’s control over women’s bodies. We learn how to be male or female.

REVIEW Distinguish among the terms referring to male and female differences. What is gender stratification? What evidence do we have of gender inequality? What is sexual orientation? Describe the current controversies about gender and sexuality. Distinguish among the sociological explanations of gender inequality and sexuality.