Sociology: Your Compass for a New World Robert J. Brym and John Lie Wadsworth Group/Thomson Learning © 2003

Sexuality and Gender Chapter 9

Gender Roles and Gender Inequality WThe Way Culturally Appropriate Masculine and Feminine Roles Are Expressed Depends on a Variety of Social Conditions, Especially the Level of Gender Inequality.

The Distribution of Aggressiveness Among Men and Women

Enforcing Gender and Heterosexuality WMales and Females Are Channeled Into Gender-Appropriate Roles by WParents WTeachers WThe Mass Media WSociety Imposes Heterosexuality With Even Greater Force Than It Exercises In Pushing People Into Gender-Appropriate Roles.

Body Dissatisfaction, U.S.A., (in percent, n=4,000) Percent dissatisfied Sex / Body Part Note: The n of 4,000 refers to the 1997 survey only. The number of respondents in the earlier surveys was not given. Source: Garner (1997).

Historical Origins of Gender Inequality Gender Inequality Originated Due to Three Sets of Historical Developments: WLong-distance Warfare and Conquest WPlow Agriculture WThe Separation of Public and Private Spheres

Old Europe Source: Gimbutas (1982: 16).

The Gender Gap in Earnings The Gender Gap in Earnings Derives From WOutright Discrimination Against Women WWomen’s Disproportionate Domestic Responsibilities WWomen’s Concentration in Low-wage Occupations and Industries WThe Under-Valuation of Work Typically Done by Women

Labor Force Participation Rate by Sex,U.S.A., (in percent) Year Percent Note: Figures are expressed as percent of men and women 16 years of age and over. The 1999 figure is for March only. Source: U.S. Department of Labor (1998b; 1999b). men women

Male Aggression Against Women WMale Aggression Against Women Is Rooted in Gender Inequality.  The rate of rape and the rate of sexual harassment are high where there is a high level of gender inequality and where such aggression is culturally legitimized.

Solutions Among the Reforms That Can Help Eliminate the Gender Gap in Earnings and Reduce the Overall Level and Expression of Gender Inequality Are WThe Development of an Affordable, Accessible, System of High-quality Day Care and  The Remuneration of Men and Women on the Basis of Their Work’s Actual Worth

Countries with Highest Scores on Gender Empowerment Measure, 1998 Score Source: United Nations Development Program (1999a). Country