Chapter 10: Gender, Age, and Health Case Study: He Said, She Said Section 1: Gender Section 2: Age and Disability Section 3: Health Experiment: Applying What You’ve Learned

Case Study: He Said, She Said Although generalizations can lead to problems, understanding the differences between gender-based communication styles can lead to healthier relationships. Sociolinguist Deborah Tannen likens the difference to communication across cultures. The differences are instilled in children as they play. The focus on different goals for the same conversation can lead to stress.

Section 1 at a Glance Gender The specific behaviors and attitudes that a society establishes for men and women are called gender roles. Individuals learn appropriate gender-role behavior through socialization. Gender roles are both different and unequal. In general, to be female is to be in a position of lesser power in society. Women have worked hard to overcome inequality in education, work, and politics.

Gender Main Idea Reading Focus Individuals learn appropriate gender behavior through socialization. In many societies, gender roles lead to social inequality. Reading Focus How are gender roles and identity formed? How does gender play into social inequality in the United States?

How did expectations about women in the workplace change over time?

Gender Roles and Identity Gender is the behavior and psychological traits considered appropriate for men and women. Gender roles are the specific behaviors established by society for men and women. Gender identity is the awareness of being masculine or feminine as defined by society. Margaret Mead studied expectations across three cultures and found differences. Differences are seen as proof that gender is social, not biological. Between Cultures Babies are given different toys. Expected behavior, interests, and strengths are different for young boys and girls. Expectations are learned early. Gender Identity & Socialization –

Gender Roles and Social Inequality In most societies, gender is the primary factor used to determine a person’s social standing. Sociologists ask why this is. One widely held view is that gender inequality is related to human reproduction. Over time patriarchy, a system in which men are dominant over women, arose. Conflict perspective suggests that male control of economic and political spheres have reinforced their dominant position. The idea of institutionalized discrimination is sometimes given as a reason for inequality. Sexism is the belief that one sex is by nature superior to the other. Sexism becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

How have gender roles changed over time? Reading Check Sequence How have gender roles changed over time? Answer: Roles are less restrictive for women, who are more strongly encouraged now to have careers and other roles outside the home.

Gender Inequality in the United States The Women’s Movement Officially begun in 1848 Demanded suffrage, the right to vote Used civil disobedience Resurfaced in 1970s Education Since 1979, more women than men in college Women focus on education and humanities, while men focus on engineering and the professions

Gender Inequality in the United States (cont.) Work Wage gap—The level of women’s income relative to that of men Glass ceiling—The invisible barrier that prevents women from gaining upper-level positions Second shift—The work a working mother does in the home Politics Women make up 52 percent of voting-age people, but only between 16 and 24 percent of elected offices Some women have been appointed to high office

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Reading Check Analyze How do gender roles affect the opportunities available to men and women in American society? Answer: Often, gender roles influence the types of careers men and women pursue or dictate which jobs they will get or how far they will go in their careers. The glass ceiling still limits women in male-dominated fields, while similar restrictions do not seem to hinder men in female-dominated professions.

Section 2 at a Glance Age and Disability While age discrimination still exists, many Americans are attempting to change the stereotypical image of people aged 65 and older. The populations of the United States and the world are aging. Elderly Americans have become both a political force and a topic of debate. Many people with disabilities, some of whom are also elderly, face discrimination and prejudice in addition to dealing with their health problems.

Age and Disability Main Idea Reading Focus As society ages, the concerns of the elderly take on increasing importance. Many elderly people have disabilities, as do many other Americans. Reading Focus What is ageism? What are the population trends of the aging world? How do the politics of aging affect elderly Americans? What issues do Americans with disabilities face?

Living in the Zone What's the secret to living to be 100 years old?

Ageism In preindustrial societies, rank rose with age. In industrial societies, middle-aged have the greatest social power. Ageism is the belief that one age category is by nature superior to another age category. The stereotype of elderly is unproductive, cranky, and physically or mentally impaired, but in reality most people over 65 are self-sufficient, active members of society. Media uses youth to sell products and focuses on negative aspects of aging.

Identify Supporting Details Reading Check Identify Supporting Details How can ageism be seen in American society? Answer: in TV commercials that have older people selling products such as denture preparations, burial plans, or medications, or the news, which focuses on negative aspects of aging such as poverty and poor health

The Aging World Today there are about 705 million people aged 60 and older worldwide. Japan has the oldest population in the world, while Uganda has the youngest. Median ages are increasing across the globe. The “graying of America” is the phenomenon of an increasing percentage of Americans being 65 or older. Aging in the United States Advances in health care result in longer lives. The baby-boom generation, the largest age group in the United States, is reaching the age of 65 and older. Causes –

What are the two primary reasons for the graying of America? Reading Check Summarize What are the two primary reasons for the graying of America? Answer: People live longer because health care and living conditions have improved: the huge baby-boom generation is aging.

The Politics of Aging As the number of senior citizens increases, their image has changed to one of a powerful voting bloc. AARP, National Council of Senior Citizens, the National Council on Aging, and the Gray Panthers are groups that bring attention to the needs of the aging. AARP is the largest special-interest group in the United States.

Challenges to Government One major concern is the Social Security system. As baby boomers retire, the dependency ratio—the number of workers for each person receiving Social Security—decreases. The number of people receiving benefits is increasing, and they are receiving benefits for a longer period of time, due to longer life expectancies. Medicare (health insurance for elderly) and Medicaid (health insurance for low-income) are the sole source of insurance for about one-fourth of elderly Americans. Age Inequality in the United States Although the elderly are in general better off than other groups, certain segments of the elderly, such as African Americans and women, have a higher rate of poverty than the general population.

What are the major political issues of concern to elderly people? Reading Check Analyze What are the major political issues of concern to elderly people? Answer: possible answers—the Social Security system; health care, especially Medicare and Medicaid; issues linked to poverty

Americans with Disabilities The term disability covers a variety of conditions, including physical disabilities; chronic health impairments; mental retardation; mental illness; and visual, hearing, or speech impairments. One stereotype is that people with disabilities cannot do productive work. Many cannot find jobs and those that do earn less. Government policies aim to fix this problem. Prejudice and Discrimination The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 has perhaps brought the most sweeping changes. The ADA makes discrimination against people with disabilities illegal. The ADA –

Reading Check Find the Main Idea What efforts have been made to guarantee civil rights for Americans with disabilities? Answer: Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975; Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Section 3 at a Glance Health Many Americans are concerned about three aspects of the nation’s health-care system: cost, quality, and access. Health care costs are rising, but many Americans are concerned that the same health insurance plans that allow them to pay their medical bills may not provide the highest quality of care.

Section 3 at a Glance (cont.) Health The distribution of physicians, both geographically and within the medical profession, affects Americans’ access to health care. The health-care system faces such issues as health insurance, inequality and health, alternative medicine, and the global challenge of AIDS.

Health Main Idea Reading Focus Americans are concerned about the cost and quality of health care. Not all Americans have equal access to the health-care system. Reading Focus What are the three main concerns about health care in the United States? What are the major issues facing the American health-care system today?

Do you have a health clinic in your grocery store?

Health Care in the United States Health care is a priority for Americans, who worry about the cost of, the quality of, and access to health care. The United States spends more on health care than any other country. Cost of health care has risen quickly. Advances in medical care and increased cost of drugs account for most of the increase. Cost of Health Care –

Quality of Health Care Access to Health Care Managed care plans provide members with health-care services in exchange for a monthly or annual charge. The plan limits costs by requiring members to use certain doctors and to have certain treatments. Although managed care plans have reduced the cost of care, many Americans feel that managed care has reduced the quality of care. A “patients’ bill of rights” has been introduced in Congress several times, but has never been passed. Access to Health Care Studies show a surplus of doctors. Most doctors are concentrated in wealthy urban and suburban areas. In poor inner-city and rural areas, there are fewer doctors but more people in need of care. Underserved areas usually have a greater number of people with chronic diseases and many elderly people. There are more specialists than general practitioners.

Identify Cause and Effect Reading Check Identify Cause and Effect What trends cause Americans to be concerned about the cost and quality of and access to health care? Answer: rising costs, inability of many to afford or get approved for insurance, options limited by cost-control measures of managed-care plans, shortage of doctors in some areas

Health-Care Issues Today Health Insurance 84 percent of medical costs are covered by insurance. The kinds of procedures and treatments covered differ among private and public insurance plans. Some argue for a centrally planned national health system. Alternative Medicine Alternative medicine uses unconventional methods such as acupuncture, acupressure, or herbal remedies. Alternative methods have little regulation. Inequality and Health Poor people are more likely to receive inadequate care. People who live in poverty have a higher rate of health issues. AIDS Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) attacks the immune system. No cure has been found, but new drugs seem to slow the disease.

How are these four issues affecting the American health-care system? Reading Check Infer How are these four issues affecting the American health-care system? Answer: health insurance—access issues because not all employers cover it, companies can reject people for pre-existing conditions; inequality—lack of insurance for some, shortage of doctors in poor and rural areas; alternative medicine—not scientifically tested, often not covered by insurance; AIDS—number of people infected strains the system, no cure, fatal

Experiment: Applying What You’ve Learned Testing Gender Differences Are men and women really that different from each other? In this lab, you will explore the differences between men and women. Work in small groups to review the process of creating an experiment and brainstorm a list of differences. Form a hypothesis and present it to the class. 1. Introduction As a group, review the seven-step process of designing an experiment. Look back to Chapter 1 for a detailed explanation. 2. Review the Research Process –

Experiment (cont.) 3. Discuss Gender Differences Create a list of differences in social characteristics of men and women. What are some stereotypes of men and women? In what ways might men and women be different? How do we measure differences? 4. Design Your Experiment Form a hypothesis. Determine what data you need. Design an experiment to gather this data. Consider what results you expect. What conclusions can you draw about human behavior?

Experiment (cont.) 5. Present Your Experiment 6. Discussion Describe your group’s experiment with the class. What concerns do your classmates have? How would your classmates have improved the experiment? Can your classmates replicate your experiment? Use your classmates’ comments to revise and improve your experiment, and prepare a written description for your teacher. 6. Discussion What did you learn from this lab? As a group, discuss the following: How successful was the class at designing experiments? What did the best experiments have in common? What were some common weaknesses in the experiments? Why do stereotypes persist? Would your data have been different if your experiment were performed in a different country?