Gender and FamiliesSex and genderGender role theories
BiosocialPsychoanalyticCognitive developmentSocial learning/socializationConflict (sex/gender system)
Male point of viewGender and family work
Sex vs. Gender Sex: Biological Gender: Social and cultural Gender identity: response to
biological and social cues
Gender roles Social role: Pattern of behaviors
associated with a position Gender role: Pattern of behaviors
commonly exhibited by males and females
Biosocial Approach
Innate biological differences Hormones influence behavior
(aggression, maternal instinct) Male and female brains different Reinforced by social experiences Social influences can counteract
biological Differences exist only “on average”
The Male Brain
Psychoanalytic approach (Freud)
Roles develop subconsciously Begin with attachment to
mother Boy wants mother; must
compete with father Solution: identify with father,
transfer attachment to another woman
Girl identifies w/mother; accepts male dominance
Envies male power (penis envy) Solution: Have man’s baby
Implies: “traditional” roles are natural and right
Psychoanalytic approach (Freud)
Psychoanalytic approach (Feminist)
Response to Freud: “Womb envy:” Men envy childbearing “Power envy:” Women envy economic
and political (not sexual) power Emotional differences: father as
distant role model, mother present; boys learn separation, girls learn
connectedness
Cognitive Development Theory
Understanding of gender develops in stages
Age 2: Can identify own and others’ gender based on superficial features see gender as changeable
Age 3-5: Rigid conception of M/F roles Need to classify and categorize Need for “black and white” distinctions
Age 6-7: See gender as permanent Not dependent on clothing, hair May continue to insist on rigid gender
roles
Cognitive Development Theory
Socialization/Social learning
Socialization by parents Begins at birth (“Baby X” experiment) Manipulation: treat boys and girls
differently Channeling: direct attention to specific
objects Verbal appellation: different language Activity exposure
Socialization by peers Same sex peers are influential Boys engage in competition, individual
play Girls engage in cooperation, group play,
communication Imitate peers’ behavior and attitudes
Socialization/Social learning
Socialization by media: Kids watch TV 4 hrs/day >60% of major characters are men Women shown as sexual, youthful,
thin
Socialization/Social learning
Conflict Theory: Sex-Gender System
Patriarchy: Social order based on domination of women
Reinforced by capitalist system Lower pay for women Conflicts between men and women Unpaid housework: men can work for lower
wages
The Male Point of View Often study gender from woman’s
perspective Masculine role may harm men
Assault, homicide Drinking, smoking, neglecting health Difficulty expressing feelings Pressure to provide Estrangement from families
Women want control at home – discourage husband’s participation
Gender and Family Work
Arlie Hochschild (80’s-90’s) “Second Shift” = maintaining
home and caring for family How is family work divided
among employed couples?
Three Gender Ideologies: Traditional – 2nd shift is women’s
work; her employment has lower priority; identifies with family; husband has more power
Egalitarian – true 50/50 sharing; both partners identify with work and family
Three Gender Ideologies:
Who Shares 2nd Shift?
Women’s answers:18% had men who
shared30% tried to get men
to share52% didn’t try
Men’s answers:20% said they
shared
80% didn’t think they had to share
Why men didn’t share:
Needs reduction – “she doesn’t need my help;”
Substitution – “I do other kinds of work.”
Comparison – “I do more than most guys.”
2. Change her own behavior – “Supermom” – do it all Cut back on work, career Cut back on home, self, marriage,
children Hire help or get family members to
help
How Women Responded
How men responded when asked to share
Cooperation – 20% changed behavior
Resistance Feigned incompetence Wait for wife to ask Bargaining (“I’ll do it as a gift”) Needs reduction (“What mess?”)