1. Theoretical Perspectives
Gender

2. Functionalism and Gender
Functionalists argue that any pattern of behavior that does not benefit society will become unimportant.
Division of responsibilities between males and females survived because it benefited human living.
Example: Early Humans: men hunted/protected because they were expendable.
Today, traditional division of labor has created problems for modern society.

3. Conflict Theory and Gender
According to the conflict theory, it is the men’s advantage to prevent women from gaining access to political, economic, and social resources.
If men can prevent women from gaining their potential, men can maintain status quo.
Example: Taliban women
Conflict theorists see tradition gender roles outdated. They are inappropriate for the industrial and postindustrial era.

4. Symbolic Interactionism and Gender
Symbolic interactionists focus on how boys and girls learn to act the way they are “supposed to act.”
Gender socialization: the social process of learning how to act as a boy or girl.
Taught through interaction with peers, parents and media.
How do parents contribute to gender socialization?
In what ways do schools reinforce gender socialization?
How do peers contribute to gender socialization?
How does the media contribute to gender socialization?
How do sports contribute to gender socialization?

5. Women and Sport Educational Amendment Act of 1972: Title IX
Bars the discrimination on the basis of gender in any program – including athletics at any educational institution receiving federal funds.
High School participation:
1971: 294,000
2006: 3 million
Media
1989: 5% televised
2004: 6% televised (mostly tennis)

6. Extreme pictures of kids and their stuff!

7. Job Segregation