Gender Inequality

Question 1

Engels (Marxism)

Answer 1

Women’s subordinate position is a result of the ownership of private property and development of the nuclear family that went with it.
Under capitalism men gain control over women as they wanted to pass on inheritance to one generation to the next.

Question 2

Murdock (Functionalism)

Answer 2

Studied gender roles in over 200 societies and found that women were located in the home because of their biological function of bearing children and because of their physique they could not do the strenuous tasks.

Question 3

Parsons & Bales (Functionalism)

Answer 3

Men have an ‘instrumental’ role (practical) while women have the ‘expressive’ role (caring). These separate roles are seen as contributing to the smooth running of society.

Question 4

Durkheim (Functionalism)

Answer 4

The division of labour is functional for society. Men and women should take on specialised roles for efficiency.

Question 5

Oakley (Feminism)

Answer 5

Gender role socialisation starts young. Manipulation is encouraging ‘gender appropriate’ behaviour (e.g., girls in pink). Canalisation is channelling children towards toys/activities appropriate for their gender. Children also learn these through the family.

Question 6

Schlafy (New Right)

Answer 6

Gender roles are biologically determined. Marriage is the most fulfilling role a women can take on.