The Social Construction of Gender Flashcards
What does it mean to say gender is socially constructed?
Gender is not biologically determined but created through social expectations, norms, and institutions that define masculinity and femininity.
How does gender socialization occur?
Through family, education, media, and peer interactions, individuals learn and internalize gender roles from an early age.
What is the relationship between gender and power?
Gender norms often reinforce power imbalances, with men holding more authority and privilege in social, economic, and political spheres.
How does intersectionality affect gender experiences?
Race, class, sexuality, and other identities shape how people experience gender oppression and privilege differently.
What is occupational segregation?
The division of jobs by gender, where men and women are steered into different types of work, often with unequal pay and status.
How does the gender wage gap persist?
Women earn less than men due to factors like discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, and undervaluation of female-dominated jobs.
What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it impact women?
The invisible barriers that prevent women from advancing into leadership roles despite qualifications and experience.
What is the “second shift”?
The unpaid domestic labor (e.g., housework, childcare) that many women perform in addition to their paid jobs.
What role does activism play in challenging inequalities?
Activism helps dismantle oppressive systems by advocating for policy changes, raising awareness, and mobilizing communities.
How do grassroots movements contribute to social change?
They empower marginalized groups to challenge injustice from the bottom up, often outside of formal political institutions.
What is the significance of coalition-building in resistance movements?
Different marginalized groups can unite to strengthen their efforts, recognizing shared struggles and working toward collective justice.
How can individuals contribute to resisting systemic oppression?
Through education, allyship, advocacy, and supporting policies that promote equity and inclusion.
