The document outlines three major theoretical perspectives on gender in sociology: 1) The functionalist perspective views traditional gender roles as serving important social functions like division of labor, socialization, and family stability. 2) The conflict perspective sees gender relations as characterized by inequality and power struggles that typically favor men. It highlights issues like economic disparities and gender-based violence. 3) The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on how gender roles and identities are socially constructed through everyday interactions, symbols, and labels. It examines how people interpret and develop their own gender through these social experiences.

1. CHAPTER 1
Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

2. • SEX-The sex of an individual is
determined by their respective
reproductive organs and
hormones.

3. • GENDER- is “psychological,”
“social,” or “cultural.” Gender is
Socially constructed.

4. • Gender is “Socially constructed” in
the sense that, unlike biological sex,
Gender is a product of society. If
society determines what is masculine
and what is feminine, then society can
change what is considered masculine,
feminine, or anything in between. Any
individual is FREE to identify their
gender as they see fit.

5. Functionalist Perspective
The functionalist perspective in Gender
and Society is a sociological theory that
views gender roles and relationships as
serving a purpose or function in society.
It emphasizes the idea that different
gender roles contribute to the stability
and functioning of a society.

6. Here's a clear
explanation
with examples:

7. 1. Division of Labor
- Functionalists argue that traditional
gender roles, where men are often
associated with breadwinning and
women with caregiving, create a division
of labor that benefits society. For
example, men working outside the home
and women managing household tasks
ensure that both economic and domestic
needs are met efficiently.

8. 2. Socialization
-Gender roles are seen as a means of
socializing individuals into their
expected roles. Boys are encouraged to
be tough and competitive, while girls are
encouraged to be nurturing and
empathetic. This socialization prepares
them for their future roles in society.

9. 3. Social Stability
-Functionalists argue that clear gender
roles and expectations help maintain
social stability. When individuals
conform to these roles, it reduces
conflict and confusion within families
and communities. For instance, if
everyone knows the expected gender
roles, it can lead to smoother
interactions and less disruption.

10. 4. Family Structure
-Within the family, functionalists argue
that traditional gender roles contribute
to a stable family structure. For
instance, a father as the primary
breadwinner and a mother as the
primary caregiver can provide a sense of
security and stability for children.

11. 5. Reproduction
-Functionalists also point out that gender
roles are related to reproduction. The
expectation that women bear and care
for children ensures the continuation of
the population. This is crucial for the
functioning and growth of society.

12. -In summary, the functionalist
perspective in Gender and Society
suggests that traditional gender roles
have functional purposes in maintaining
social stability, division of labor, and
family structure. While it offers insights
into how these roles can serve society, it
may not fully address the complexities
and inequalities associated with gender
dynamics.

13. Conflict Perspective

14. Conflict Perspective
-The conflict perspective in Gender
and Society focuses on how gender
inequality and power imbalances
shape social interactions and
institutions. It emphasizes that
society is characterized by
conflicts and competition between
different gender groups, typically
favoring men over women.

15. Here's a
simplified
explanation and
examples:

16. 1. Gender Inequality
-Conflict theorists argue that
gender inequality is deeply
ingrained in society. They see it as
a result of power struggles, where
men have historically held more
power and privilege. For example,
in many workplaces, men have
traditionally held leadership
positions while women were
relegated to lower-paying roles.

17. 2. Economic Disparities
-From a conflict perspective,
gender differences in income and
job opportunities reflect power
imbalances. Women often earn less
than men for doing similar work.
For instance, the gender pay gap
illustrates this disparity, with
women earning, on average, less
than their male counterparts.

18. 3. Gender-Based Violence
-Conflict theorists also highlight
how violence against women is a
tool to maintain male dominance.
Examples include domestic
violence and sexual harassment,
which are seen as ways to control
and intimidate women, reinforcing
power dynamics.

19. 4. Gender Roles and
Expectations
-The conflict perspective analyzes
how societal norms and
expectations reinforce gender
inequalities. For instance,
traditional gender roles that expect
women to be caregivers and men to
be breadwinners can limit women's
career opportunities and economic
independence.

20. 5. Institutional
Discrimination
- Conflict theorists argue that
institutions, such as the legal
system or education, can
perpetuate gender inequalities. An
example is how legal systems may
not adequately address cases of
gender-based violence or
workplace discrimination.

21. -In summary, the conflict
perspective in Gender and Society
highlights the ongoing struggle for
power and resources between
gender groups, often resulting in
unequal outcomes and reinforcing
traditional gender norms.

22. Symbolic Interactionist
Perspective
-

23. -The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective in
Gender and Society focuses on how individuals
create and interpret gender roles and identities
through everyday interactions.

24. - Here's a simplified
explanation with
examples:

25. 1. Social Construction of Gender
• This perspective argues that gender isn't just
something we're born with; it's constructed
through social interactions and meanings
attached to behaviors and appearances. For
example, a society might associate long hair
with femininity and short hair with
masculinity.

26. 2. Role of Symbols and Labels
• Symbolic interactionism emphasizes how
symbols, such as clothing or language, play a
role in shaping our understanding of gender.
An example is the color pink being associated
with girls and blue with boys in clothing.

27. 3. Gender Identity Development
• It looks at how individuals develop their
gender identity through interactions with
others. For instance, a child may learn what it
means to be a "boy" or a "girl" by observing
how people react to their behavior and
appearance.

28. 4. Micro-Level Interactions
• This perspective focuses on small-scale, day-
to-day interactions. For instance, when a
person compliments another on their
appearance or behavior, it reinforces certain
gender norms or expectations, like telling a
boy he's "tough" for not crying.

29. 5. Social Change
• Symbolic interactionism suggests that change
can happen at the individual and
interpersonal level. If people start
challenging traditional gender norms by
behaving or dressing in non-stereotypical
ways, it can influence how society views
gender over time.

30. • In summary, the Symbolic Interactionist
Perspective in Gender and Society highlights
how gender roles and identities are socially
constructed through everyday interactions,
symbols, and labels. It underscores the
importance of individuals' roles in shaping
and challenging these constructions