Sex Discrimination

Michael ItagakiSociology 102, Social Problems

Problem in Sociological Perspective

Women viewed as the minority group Not a numerical minority Patriarchy

Scope of the Problem

Is male dominance universal? Debateable Biological support Cultural support

Dynamic Element of Social Problem

Major areas of sex discrimination (Hacker, 1951) Political and legal Education Economic Social

Theoretical Analysis of Social Problem

Symbolic Interaction Socialization into gender/sex

roles? ex. Toys

Symbolic Interaction

Our toys

Socialization into Gender Roles

Feminine Nurturers Dependent Attractive = Looks

Masculine Doers Independent Attractive =

Achievement

Socialization

Erving Goffman and the Presentation of the Self Dramaturgy—Social

Interaction asTheatre

Impression management Front Stage Back Stage

Stereotypes

Deeply influence how we act Form expectations shapes

actions Person receiving our actions forms

ideas of how we’re thinking (looking-glass self)

Person’s behavior changes to match expectations, conform to stereotype

Functionalism Male dominance rooted in

biological and social factors Response to warfare Response to childbearing

Theoretical Analysis of Social Problem

Conflict Theory Power, privilege and resources Who has ownership? Equality attained only when men

yield

Theoretical Analysis of Social Problem

Natural differences between the sexes Biological differences? SAT scores, aggressive behavior Biological differences? Socialization? Does socialization reinforce

biologicaldifferences?

Research Findings

Discrimination “You throw like a girl.” Devaluation

discrimination Education: college example

Research Findings

Table 9.2 (p. 294)Doctorates in Science, by Sex

Agents of Socialization

Mass Media

Socialization

Mass Media One female for every two

maleson prime time television.

Video games, one female for every seven males

Socialization Mass Media

How realistic areportrayals of women?

Socialization Mass Media

Breaking the mold

Research Findings

Working world Gender pay gap

Figure 9.3 (p. 299)How Much Will You Earn? Cash Penalties and Rewards for Being Male or FemaleSource: By the author, based on Statistical Abstract of the United States 2003: Table 230.

Research Findings

Working world Gender pay gap Employers value maleness Dual labor market

Gender Inequality Glass Ceiling

Who is in leadership? Iron Law of Oligarchy

Gender Inequality CEOs for Fortune 500 list (2006):

Gender Inequality Women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies:

10 out of 500 (2%) Sara Lee Corp. President and CEO:

Brenda Barnes

Gender Inequality Glass Ceiling

Who is in leadership? Iron Law of Oligarchy

Lack of mentors Stereotype of “support role” Breaking through the glass

ceiling

Gender Inequality Glass Escalator

Gender driven Men in traditionally female

jobs Given promotions

Higher pay Higher job position

ex. Sociology faculty: CSUF,Fullerton College