October 28 class notes.docx

October 28, 2009 Gender Inequality Around the World Gender: One of the most important dimensions of inequality around the globe Women throughout the world are paid less for their work compared to men Women often work in conditions that leave them vulnerable to different types of exploitation But their enhanced economic role has sometimes resulted in increased economic independence and greater social status Women do not share the same political power as men, although thirty-eight countries have been headed by a woman since WWII The United States is about average among countries in terms of women?s representation in the national legislature, but has never had a woman president Gender Inequality A country?s position in world stratification system affects gender relations within countries Poverty felt more by women than men Gender Development Index: a measurement of the relative well being or deprivation of women in different countries Measurement based on gender inequalities in life expectancy, education levels, and income Feminist Theories Feminism: A movement promoting the equality of women and men in all spheres of society Feminist assumptions: Gender is socially constructed Feminism is political project Complete change to androcentric norms in society Theories of Gender Inequality Functionalists emphasize the gender differences and the sexual division of labor contribute to social stability and integration Conflict theorists emphasize power inequalities between men and women that are built into social structures From Ethnomethodology, feminists developed ?doing gender,? an approach that views gender as something that is accomplished through ongoing social interactions Liberal feminists: centralize individual rights, autonomy; promote equality of opportunity for men and women Radical feminists: centralize patriarchy as the culprit for the subordination and exploitation of women; promote legal reforms to bring about change Cultural feminists: centralize male/female differences; promote women?s different voice; emphasize women?s nurturing, maternal values Diversity/multicultural/Black feminists: centralize the differences among women (race, ethnicity, class etc); promote coalition building among women; global projects of reform