Gender and Globalization Dr. Carl Davila The College at Brockport Terms and Concepts for the Study of Gender and Globalization Part 2 S.U.N.Y. Global Workforce Project

“What is identity?” Consider that: a) Identity is complex and composed of many elements that are used differently in different situations. b) To one degree or another, identity is bound up withcommunity and tradition — including genderidentity. c) The gender system and gender ideology play strong roles in shaping identity in traditional settings.

Global “opportunities” and local constraints New opportunities for women in globalized economies: New jobs Some relief from local poverty New ways of organizing and working for social issues

New “opportunities” are always constrained by local gender system and ideology: New jobs ☞ usually mirror accepted caregiving roles ☞ vulnerable to technology replacement ☞ drift toward subordinate positions, not leadership ☞ jobs may threaten males’ roles -> domestic violence Relief from local poverty, BUT poverty still hits women hardest.

Coping with Change… Several factors influence coping methods: ☞ Tradition vs. modernity ☞ Social class ☞ Age and generational differences Accommodation: altering existing beliefs and behavior to perceived norms of “global society”. Resistance: finding ways to maintain traditional belief despite changes. Hybridity: combining tradition with globalized culture -> new beliefs that are traditional enough.

End of Part 2