Gender inequalities: functionalist Flashcards
1
Q
What are the functionalists basic beliefs about gender inequalities ?
A
- men and women have different social roles that are based on biological differences
- helps society run smoothly
- women have the natural role of looking after children
- leads to a division between men and women
2
Q
What is Murdoch’s study ?
A
- studied gender roles in 200 different societies
- women were at home because of their biological function of looking after children
- women’s physique makes them less able to perform strenuous tasks
- found that all 200 societies had gender divisions
3
Q
What are some criticisms of Murdoch’s study ?
A
- study is outdated and hasn’t kept up with social changes
- Oakley said that gender roles aren’t biological and that they are actually socially constructed
4
Q
What was Parson and Bales theory ?
A
Men and women have different roles in the family:
Instrumental role = practical role, breadwinner (males)
Expressive role = caring, home maker (females)
5
Q
What is human capital theory ?
A
- the amount of knowledge and skill someone has
- these skills are obtained through education and training
- by investing in your education it helps develop a better human capital (e.g. doing an extra year at university)
- short-term loses = long-term gains
6
Q
What did Rastogi say about the human capital theory ?
A
Human capital = knowledge, competency, attitude and behaviours that are embedded in an individual
7
Q
What does the human capital theory say about female inequality ?
A
- women’s have less human capital than men
- inequality in the workplace is due to mens commitment and women’s focus on prioritising family (women have less expertise)
- this theory supports meritocracy
8
Q
What are the evaluations of the functionalist viewpoint on gender inequalities ?
A
- ignores the way that society is structured
- only refers to white-middle class experiences and not other classes
