Functionalist Theory Of Gender Inequality

Question 1

What are the four explanations of gender inequality?

Answer 1

1. Gender inequalities are the result of biological differences
2. Gender inequalities are the result of socialised roles which are necessary for society
3. Women’s expressive role is crucial for primary socialisation and personality stabilisation
4. Gender inequalities in work are inevitable

Question 2

Who said gender inequalities are the result of biological differences?

Answer 2

• Murdock

Question 3

What did Murdock say?

Answer 3

• social roles stem from biological differences between males and females
• women located in the home due to their biological function of bearing children whilst men’s naturally stronger physique mean they’re able to perform strenuous tasks and suited to being the breadwinner

Question 4

Who said gender inequalities are the result of socialised roles which are necessary for society?

Answer 4

• Parsons

Question 5

What did parsons say?

Answer 5

• gender inequalities are not really inequalities due to the correct gender roles that males and females are socialised into
• females socialised in expressive caring roles whereas males socialised into instrumental roles related to work
• women less motivated and suited to labour market than men so is not surprising they are averaging less pay

Question 6

Who said women’s expressive role is crucial for primary socialisation and personality stabilisation?

Answer 6

• parsons and Bales

Question 7

What did parsons and bales say?

Answer 7

• women are key figure in providing primary socialisation for children which is essential for reproducing social order and provide personality stabilisation for other adult family members
• women provide comfort for their husbands when not at work which is crucial for men to be productive meaning that women are not present in certain sectors of life which lead to individual wealth, power or authority

Question 8

Who said gender inequalities in work are inevitable?

Answer 8

• Rastogi

Question 9

What did rastogi say?

Answer 9

• men are more work oriented and committed than women who choose to prioritise their roles as homemakers and caring for the family over their careers so gain more human capital
• creates a self fulfilling prophecy where men become more valued in work giving men more confidence while women are less confident and take lower status, less well paid positions
• naturally occurring phenomenon rather than patriarchal