Gender

Question 1

Firestone

Answer 1

1974: Genetic theory - women’s subordinate position is directly linked to the biological differences between men and women - only by constructing a reproductive system that does not depend on women can patriarchal power be broken

Question 2

Goldberg

Answer 2

1973: Inevitability of patriarchy - men are more self-assertive, competitive etc. and as a result they seek to obtain top position in any hierarchy. Emotional expectation for male dominance from women

Question 3

Goleman

Answer 3

2004: The best leaders have a high degree of emotional intelligence, women have a more transformational leadership style

Question 4

Becker

Answer 4

1985: Rational choice theory - as a result of the division of labour at home between men and women, women tend to invest less in their human capital development and choose jobs more compatible with domestic duties

Question 5

Carter & Silva

Answer 5

2010: Couples will always choose the man’s career because men start and stay ahead from an early age

Question 6

Hartmann

Answer 6

1982: Feminist perspective - men collectively organise themselves to further their own interests against those of women - patriarchal control of employment opportunities. Women are less cohesive in their views anyway.

Question 7

Hakim

Answer 7

1996

Why women are subordinate: Goldberg, Becker and Hartmann are complementary, not competing views

Domestic division of labour: Impact on upbringing of children of parents’ choices - child’s view of the world, ambitions, family dynamic

Inequalities at work: women have to act like men to be successful - pay gap, glass ceiling, inflexible arrangement,s discrimination all persist. Conversely, has there been a feminisation of the workplace, has male unemployment increased?

Question 8

Grint

Answer 8

1998: Work used to be considered public, dirty and immoral - not for women; opportunities restricted to analogous domestic activities (though top spot was a man); women now do more than men, even if both have equal employment hours

Question 9

Powell & Graves

Answer 9

2003: Conflicts
Work-family conflict (time and behaviour);
Conflict of motherhood vs. personal development / social recognition - but they always have to take a career break

Question 10

Greenhaus & Powell

Answer 10

2006: Work-family enrichment

Question 11

Newell

Answer 11

1993: Superwoman syndrome

Question 12

In what ways are these gender issues a social construction? [4]

Answer 12

1) What is work? We now pay people to do domestic work
2) What is a family? May not be a heterosexual couple and 2.2 children
2) The patriarchy is socially constructed! E.g. Sweden
3) Househusbands are not accepted in our society, men think women have it all
4) Does a choice have to be made? Domestic work will always be a source of stress!