Gender Socialization Flashcards

Definitions of Key Terms

• Sex: Refers to ascribed biological differences distinguishing males (XY) from females (XX), including chromosomal and hormonal factors, and roles in reproduction.
• Gender: Achieved social positions shaped by societal norms; encompasses the social, psychological, and behavioral aspects of identity, including expressions of masculinity and femininity.
• Sexuality: Encompasses desire, preferences, identity, and behaviors related to sexual attraction.
• Gender Essentialism: Belief that gender roles are inherently biological or genetic, suggesting roles are fixed.
• Biological Determinism: Theories suggesting social behavior is determined by natural biological factors.

Approaches to Gender

• Constructionist Approach: Argues that gender is socially constructed and varies across contexts; gender identity evolves through socialization.
• Gender Roles: Social expectations dictating the acceptable behaviors, attitudes, and activities associated with masculinity and femininity.

Socialization Processes

• Socialization: The method through which individuals acquire societal expectations and norms.
• Gender Role Socialization: The process where individuals learn societal expectations for masculinity and femininity based on gender stereotypes.
• Childhood Socialization: Begins at birth, influenced by age and education; agents include parents, media, and peers.
• Parental Socialization: Parenting practices vary based on the child’s sex and gender identity.
• Media Socialization: Media representations and advertisements often reinforce specific gender norms.

Gender Concepts and Dynamics

• Hyper-masculinity: Exaggerated male behaviors focused on strength, aggression, and sexuality.
• Emphasized Femininity: An idealized form of femininity catering to male interests, often focused on appearance and subservience.
• Hegemonic Masculinity: The dominant cultural ideal of masculinity that privileges men's interests while rendering this dominance invisible.

Gender Inequality

• Gender Inequality: Disparities in access to resources and opportunities based on gender, evident in multiple societal areas.
• Mommy Profiling: Employment discrimination targeting women based on parenthood status.
• The Glass Ceiling: An invisible barrier preventing women from advancing in their careers.
• The Glass Escalator: The phenomenon where men in female-dominated occupations often gain promotions more easily.
• The Gender Pay Gap: The earnings disparity between men and women, with the current U.S. average at 79%, influenced by race, age, and location.

Feminist Perspectives

• Human Capital Theory: Assumes individuals have different characteristics impacting job prospects; often, women are viewed as having lower human capital.
• Occupational Segregation: The division of labor by gender; common classifications include blue collar, pink collar, and white collar jobs.
• The Second Shift: Refers to the additional unpaid labor women perform at home beyond their employment responsibilities.
• Feminism: Advocates for equal opportunities and respect for women.

Theoretical Perspectives on Patriarchy

• Structural Functionalism: Views assigned gender roles as essential for societal function, promoting stability through traditional nuclear family structures.
• Conflict Theory: Emphasizes historical male dominance over resources and privileges, suggesting a need to maintain power.
• Symbolic Interactionism: Explores how gender roles are learned and replicated through social interactions, reinforcing societal norms.

Intersectionality and Feminism

• Black Feminism: Highlights how race, class, and gender intersect, arguing that historical feminism primarily center on the experiences of white middle-class women.
• Postmodernism: Recognizes the diversity of gender roles across different cultures and contexts.

Consequences of Gender Inequality

• Significant repercussions exist across all societal sectors, including:
  • Education
  • Politics
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Assault
  • Economic disparities
  • Health care access.