Margaret Leyva

Introductory Sociology
April 2, 17
Gender Discussion

1. Gender has nothing to do with the genetics that define man or woman. Sex, on the
other hand, defines man or woman based on science. The social construct of
gender is that through socialization there's defining traits of male and female that
have nothing to do with body parts. For instance, in America men do not wear
dresses or skirts; women do not catcall. These are two things that the American
society has categorized as strictly masculine or feminine. Of course an individual
may cross the line set by society, but are quickly reminded that it's not a social
norm when surrounded by the general public through shaming.
2. Feminism is the belief in overall equality between women and men. The first
wave of feminism came from early America. At a time when women were not
allowed to vote, a group of women from upstate New York were determined to
have their voices heard. Many women came together to make the first wave of
feminism movement, and they're biggest victory was the 19th amendment--
allowing women the right to vote. The second wave of feminism came in the
1960s, and literature played a massive role in mobilizing women across the
nation. This group of women's' goal was to break free from the 1950s housewife
stereotype. They wanted to be able to have careers, go to college, have control
over their bodies, and not play a subordinate role in society. The National
Organization for Women (NOW) was also put into place during this wave,
allowing for a greater collective to come together to work towards equality.
Although some say we are in a post feminism era, there is an undeniable new take
on feminism from the recent generation. This third wave of feminism is most
concerned with breaking away from any stereotypes and creating a more
accepting and open minded society. These feminist want women to feel
empowered however they please whether it be as a housewife or businesswoman.
Although it is important to note that it's also believed that women are more than a
role. In this wave, two theories have emerged: standpoint theory and
intersectionality. Standpoint theory stems from the idea that we cannot shape our
perception of a female solely based on status, like race or ethnicity. However with
intersectionality, it's believed that we cannot separate race, ethnicity, gender, or
sexuality when looking at an individual. Because all these things make up the
individual. Feminist aim to break through the glass ceiling, sexism, and
institutional discrimination. They do this by speaking out, protesting, and coming
together to create an empowering force of women.
3. The jobs men and women are likely to perform are greatly effected by the social
construction of gender. Through socialization we learn men are strong and women
are nurturing. This means men are more likely to work in the fields of physical
labor; whereas women are more likely to work with children. Men have a greater
chance of making more money and that is simply because they've been in power
longer. Men have been in the work force longer, and so there is the prejudice idea
that men are more capable. The wage gap is perpetuated through the glass ceiling.
 Women have less access to high paying jobs and therefore have created a wage
gap amongst the sexes. There are a few ways to correct the wage gap such as
programs that enforce companies to hire the same ratio of men to women.
However, the real solution the wage gap would be a social shift and the end of the
social construction of gender.
4. The second shift is a term coined by sociologist, Arlie Hochschild. The term stood
for women that had to assume both socially constructed roles of man and woman.
The women who went to work while simultaneously running a household.
Although there are men who face this double shift, Hochschild found more
women face this struggle than men. The easiest way to "equalize" the second shift
would be for men to take on more domestic chores. And for that, just like the
wage gap, the perception that men do not clean or take care of the house would
have to be broken.