Gender Roles Flashcards
What moral issues are raised by gender roles in society?
-The glass ceiling theory. This is where women can see the top jobs such as managerial positions but can’t break though the glass cleaning to get them
-Traditional stereotyping. Women are often stereotyped with roles and hobbies like looking after children or ballet whereas men are stereotyped with things like blue and football. This leads to predujuce and unfair discrimination which women still face in the work place today.
-The gender pay gap. Despite the Equal Pay Act of 1970 women are still payed on average between 15 and 20% less than men who do the same job
-Sexism. Women not having the same opportunities as men can often lead to the perception that mean and women shouldn’t have equal treatment
-Discrimination. When women are overlooked for promotion or not be given certain jobs because they are at a childbearing age
-Prejudice. Women are still judged based in how they look or what they wear e.g. blonde/attractive etc
Choose a religious view point you have studied. DESCRIBE what is says about gender roles
Christianity often emphasises the complementary nature of gender roles teaching that men and women have distinct roles in society.
Christianity also emphasises the inherent dignity and equality of all humans regardless of their gender.
According to Catholic Social Teaching both men and women are made in the Image of God and posses equal worth and value.
A Christian might say that God created men and women equally as shown in Genesis 1. Therefore, some may argue that there is no need for distinct roles in society
EXPLAIN the impact of having different gender roles in society
The possible impact of having gender roles in society include:
-People know where they stand with gender roles and everyone has a role to play. It is a fact that men are generally physically stronger than women so it makes sense that they do jobs involving physical strength
-It is a biological fact that women bear children and breastfeed so it makes sense that they take maternity leave and stay at home to look after young children
-The subordinate stereotype suggests that women are naturally submissive and are therefore less likely to assert themselves in the workplace. This stereotype implies that women are less confident than men and less likely to pursue leadership roles
-Men are often seen as strong, resilient, and able to handle difficult situations without showing emotion. This stereotype assumes that showing vulnerability or weakness is a sign of weakness
-Men are expected to hold leadership positions in the workplace because they are more naturally suited to the role of leading others
-Gender roles in the workplace provide a clear set of expectations for individuals based on their gender. This can help people understand what is expected of them in terms of behaviour, responsibilities, and tasks
“A person who is true to their religion should always treat men and women equally”
Why may a person agree with this statement?
-Gender roles provide structure and order within religious communities, ensuring that individuals know their expected roles and responsibilities
-For many years, certain gender roles have been part of religious practices, and keeping these roles helps preserve cultural traditions and the values of the faith community
-People who support traditional gender roles often believe they are following the teachings of their religion’s sacred texts. They think these texts guide them to live a righteous life
-The story of Genesis could be seen as positive for gender equality as both men and women were created on the last day in the image of God because they were both special
“A person who is true to their religion should always treat men and women equally”
How far do you agree? (8) DISAGREE
-Gender roles in religion simply reinforce traditional gender stereotypes in society, limiting individuals’ opportunities and potential based on their gender
-Many believe that for true fairness, everyone should have equal chances in religious leadership and decision-making, no matter their gender
-Modern ideas about human rights say that everyone should be treated the same way and have the same opportunities. Religious practices should adapt to reflect today’s values of fairness and individual freedom
-The story of Adam and Eve could be seen as negative for gender equality
as Eve is seen as the Temptress who causes the Fall of humankind
“Different gender roles shouldn’t be accepted in the modern world”
HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE (8) DISAGREE
Some would argue that gender roles do belong in a society as they do not necessarily have to be negative or stereotypical. People know where they stand with gender roles and everyone has a role to play
It is a fact that men are generally physically stronger than women so it makes sense that they do jobs involving physical strength
It is a biological fact that women bear children and breastfeed so it makes sense that they take maternity leave and stay at home to look after young children
Some religions, eg. Islam and Hinduism, have different roles for men and women and it would be wrong to force people to go against these principles
“Different gender roles shouldn’t be accepted in the modern world”
HOW FAR DO YOU AGREE (8) AGREE
Others may argue that men and women should have a choice as to their roles and it shouldn’t be based on gender because they can have exactly the same talents and abilities
Gender roles are old fashioned and sexist. Why can’t a man stay at home and look after the children or a woman be the breadwinner?
A woman could be a great fire fighter and man can be an excellent midwife
Gender roles can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Feminist perspective – feminists believe gender roles reinforce patriarchy and
the oppression of women
