3. An intellectual movement – began in France in
the 1950s.
Structuralists believed that things cannot be
understood in isolation- they have to be seen in
the context of the larger structures they are part
of.
4. The Structural
Theory of Gender is
a social theory that
explains gender as a
product of social
structures and
institutions
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5. Gender is not just a personal
characteristic, but is shaped by social and
cultural practices and power dynamics.
6. Key features of the Structural Theory of
Gender
• Gender is a social construct:
The Structural Theory of Gender posits that gender is a
social construct that is created and maintained through social
structures and institutions, such as the family, education, media,
and the economy.
• Gender is shaped by social institutions:
Social institutions reinforce gender norms and
expectations, and can perpetuate gender inequality.
7. • Gender differentiation contributes to the stability
of a society
• Gender roles arise from the need to establish a
division of labour within family
Women-child care, men-hunting and waging
war
• Division of labour helps the smooth running of
family and stability of society.
8. Girls and boys taught different approaches to life
• Boys –goal-oriented, focus on tasks, concerned for the
relationship of family to outside societal structures
• Girls-to express their emotions and to look for and react to
the emotions of others
