Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

Functionalism (Looks at society as a structure with interrelated parts and emphasizes the contributions made by each part.) focuses on the  origins of gender differences Any pattern of behavior that does not benefit society will become unimportant. Early humans found that the division of responsibilities between males and females survived because it was beneficial to human living. (Men-hunting/protecting Women-reproducing)    This view would suggest this is why women place more emphasis on social class and income than men. Today functionalists recognize that traditional division of labor has created problems/dysfunctions for modern society.

Conflict Theory (The Conflict perspective emphasizes conflict, competition, change, and constraint within society.) Looks at the reasons gender differences continue to exist They believe that it is the advantage of men to prevent women from gaining access to political, economic, and social resources .If this is done men can maintain the status quo. Conflict theorists see traditional gender roles outdated. 

Conflict Theory and Gender Inequality Most recent example of maintaining the gender status quo was found in Afghanistan, when the ruling Taliban militia practiced gender separation. The Taliban prohibited girls from attending school and banned women from all work outside the home.  Women who left the home without protection of a male relative were punished (windows were painted black to prevent anyone from catching a glimpse of the women.) Women remained mute and even their soles were soft to keep from making noise and drawing attention to themselves.

Symbolic Interactionism (approach that focuses on the interactions among people based on mutually understood symbols.) focuses on how gender traits are acquired. Symbolic interactionists focus on how males and females are “supposed to act” This process is called- Gender socialization: the learning of behavior and attitudes considered appropriate for a given sex .Boys learn to be boys and girls learn to be girls. Example- After a sonogram parents buy blue or pink clothes or action figures for boys/ dolls for girls

Agents of Socialization Gender also taught in the assignment of family  chores (i.e)  g=dishes b=mowing Schools reinforce gender socialization --sometimes teachers encourage different behaviors from girls and boys --studies have showed that girls were taught to be passive, to dislike math and science Parents are important in gender socialization because they transfer values and attitudes regarding how boys and girls should behave.   media Teens who most closely mirror traditional gender roles, such as male football players and female cheerleaders, are generally given the greatest respect, whereas “feminine” boys and “masculine” girls are assigned low status.  This peer group pressure encourages teenagers to try to conform to idealized role models.  Do you believe this is true/false? (Journal #12)

YouTube Homework The Media and Gender socialization find an example of gender socialization in media, preferably in advertising. (you-tube, google video, etc.) Primary source. I do not want anything with commentary (Do not search "sociology, media" on You-tube) RECENT! Your submission must have been created in the past decade. Email the link to me before your next class. We will watch and discuss some of them in class. Include your full name and class period in the subject line. If you do not have access to the internet at home, you can use the computer lab or library, failing that you may bring in some printed media, but you must talk to me first.