Gender Inequity in the United States Chapter 11 Pages 297-308

The Rise of Feminism Early days: Women did not have any rights Feminism: men and women should be politically, economically, and social equal 1st wave: known as suffragists-early 1900’s Radicals: changing all aspects Conservatives: right to vote (dominated) 2nd wave: focused on women’s working conditions and other social reforms-1960’s Liberal and Conservatives share similar goals, but have differing ideas of what gender equality looks like Continues to shape public policy today

Education Early beliefs Women controlled by wombs Not able to handle as much education as males Males received more education than females, but… The GAP has closed! Overall more females enter college and earn degrees vs. males Questions as to what TYPE of degrees though….. Male vs. female “professions/degrees” Gender socialization? From where? Effects of this? Is it changing? Should it change? What about pay in these fields? History still dominates in some areas Cheerleading? Male vs. female cheerleading Funding for sports? Title IX? What about CHS? Equality in sports?

Everyday Life Devaluation of Feminine terms/labels Conversation Insults “You throw like a girl!” Performance not up to par—referred to as “little girls” or “ladies” or “wearing a skirt” Sociologists/Behavioralists believe that these insults are powerful and significant. Do you? Examples? Conversation Men’s conversation topics are generally considered more important/appropriate (scenario on page 301) Men dominate conversations Interrupt more—especially if a woman talking More powerful position—talk down to women WHERE DO YOU SEE EVIDENCES OF THIS TODAY?

Gender Inequality Issues in the workplace in the United States page 302-308 Pay Gap Mommy Penalty Mommy Track Glass Ceiling Glass Escalator Names General names Titles of jobs Sexual Harassment

The Pay Gap Shows up at all levels of degrees and working. The Gap is BIG: ½ due to gender discrimination ½ due to career choice and education (men choose higher paying jobs—but why are they higher paying?) Today: 79% (Average) for all full time working women Pay Gap: http://www.aauw.org/research/the-simple-truth-about-the-gender-pay-gap/ Critics: Job choice of women—they CHOOSE those jobs. See Article. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Take a stand sheet!

Glass Ceiling Glass Ceiling: Invisible barrier that keeps women out of executive positions Women are better at filling “support positions” Male executives prefer to surround themselves with those that look like them—next leaders Other gender stereotypes Ceiling is cracking Women are adapting to “men’s roles” and playing by “men’s rules” Many women are reaching high positions—still not equal Women hold 24 (4.8%) CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies-2015

The Mommy Track Fast Track: Straight to the top Mommy Track/Zigzag Track: Less commitment to work and more commitment to family Critics: Perpetuate the stereotype—there is no “daddy track” Contributes to the pay gap and discrimination Mommy penalty Solution: Husbands take on more house/child care responsibilities On site daycare Flexible working hours Parental leave without penalty

Glass Escalator Glass Escalator: Men who advance quickly and do not encounter discrimination and inequality in traditional “women’s jobs” Motor: Gender Drives the Motor: Males are more capable

What’s in a name? Traditional name more advantages? Titles? More important=more masculine? Gender specific/gender socialization of jobs Affect societal view of job? Impact? Change the name/titles of jobs to be more equitable or have we become too sensitive? Example: Stewardess vs. flight attendant or Freshmen? Are they all “men”?

Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment: Un-welcomed sexual attention that affects a person’s job performance or creates a hostile work environment Prior to 1979—personal matter After 1979—structural problem: Men/Women abusing their positions of authority Vague meaning—does not always include sexual desire. Homosexual vs. heterosexuals