Radical feminism, in particular, considers the role of the family in perpetuating male dominance. Test. The word gender, like development, had a specific usage before feminist theorists extended its meaning. What Is Gender Theory? Cognitive development theories suggest that gender differences develop by observation of gender consistencies, gender schemata, or gender scripts within a culture. 1 Theoretical Perspectives. Explain the social construction of sex, gender, and sexuality in both the present and the ancient past. The gender perspective focuses particularly on gender-based differences in status and power, and considers how such discrimination shapes the immediate needs, as well as the long-term interests, of women and men. The evolutionary approach argues that gender role division appears as an adaptation to the challenges faced by the ancestral humans in the EEA (the environment of evolutionary adaptation). Feminism is an interdisciplinary approach to issues of equality and equity based on gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, and sexuality as understood through social theories and political activism. It uses the conflict approach to examine the maintenance of gender roles and inequalities. PLAY. functionalist perspective of gender inequality: A theory that suggests that gender inequalities exist as an efficient way to create a division of labor, or a social system in which a particular segment of the population is clearly responsible for certain acts of labor and another segment is clearly responsible for other labor acts. These theories can be generally divided into three families: biological, socialization, and cognitive. The term seemed to come from a group known as Gender Feminists. Gender studies and queer theory explore issues of sexuality, power, and marginalized populations (woman as other) in literature and culture. Theoretical Perspectives on Gender. The word "sociology" is constructed with two parts. The theory of 'Gender Performance' or 'Gender Performativity' was first coined in Judith Butler's 1990 book titled Gender Trouble. Theories of Gender, Gendering Theory. In this sense, a theoretical perspective can be understood as a lens through which we look, serving to focus or distort what we see. It is a response to those, like Nancy Hartsock (1990), who refuse to adopt a postmodern feminism on the grounds that postmodernism a la Lyotard is dangerously inviting to the abandonment of theory; to . Remember that culture includes age, religion, sexual orientation, etc., as well as race and ethnicity. Sexism and Discrimination Conflict theorist believe that, men use gender inequality to get power and control over scarce resources. On the other hand, radical feminists view gender . Upon completion of this chapter, students will be able to do the following: Define LGBTQ+ studies and queer theory, and explain why queer theory matters in the field of archaeology. Gender equality continues to be an issue today, and research into gender equality in education is still moving feminist theory forward. Definition Gender theory is the study of what is understood as masculine and/or feminine and/or queer behavior in any given context, community, society, or field of study (including, but not limited to, literature, history, sociology, education, applied linguistics, religion, health sciences, philosophy, cultural studies). Successful implementation of the policy, programme and project goals of international and national organizations is directly affected by the impact of gender and, in turn, influences the process of social development. Perhaps, socialization. Performativity of gender is a stylized repetition of acts, an imitation or miming of the dominant conventions of gender. Scholars such as Olivia Harris, Maureen . The focus is on the implications of theory for policy and practice, and the need to theorize . Another . For many societies like the United States and England, this is proven to be true due to the implementation . Gender has a close relation to sex, and its existence can be traced to evolution. The critical theory of gender revolves around the theory that the gender division is a social construct and that such division was constructed with the purpose to subjugate women in addition to other reasons. In a policy context, taking a gender perspective is a strategy for making women's as well as men's concerns and experiences an . Describe ways in which gender and sexuality organize and structure the societies in which we live. Gender identity is a fundamental acquisition in the developing personality, but it is part of a hierarchical series beginning with archaic body ego, early body image, and primitive selfness, representing their extension into sexual and reproductive spheres. [1] [2] Its rise to prominence, especially in Western universities after . The question of LGBT rights was first examined as part of gender and sexuality studies in the 1980s, predominantly in the United States. The proponents of "gender theory" believe that gender is socially constructed; unseen forces within our society have conditioned men to adopt masculine traits and women to adopt feminine ones. Gender theories open up new perspectives for how to understand women and men in their various contexts, including gendered structures and norms. Our program sees theory as important to understanding the many material and symbolic phenomena related to gender. They are 'the opposite sex'(though why 'opposite' I do not know; what is the 'neighboring sex'?). Theoretical Perspective of Gender Inequality (Functionalist Perspective) Instrumentality refers to an emphasis on tasks, focus on more distant goals, being the bread- winner in the family and a concern for the external relationship between one's family and other social institutions (Giddens, 2001; Schaefer, 2007). A feminist "gender" theory had also emerged in the dense writings of Judith Butler . Rather than beginning by providing a general account of the argument in Gender Trouble, we shall focus on Butler's critique of Julia Kristeva's theory of the drive-based, semiotic, for it shows in a nutshell Butler's general theoretical orientation.. For Butler, the semiotic is ultimately essentialist (and this is clearly a criticism . According to biological theories, psychological and behavioral gender differences are due to. These are psychodynamic theory, social learning theory, and cognitive-developmental theory. The functional theory emphasis on the fulfilment if society needs through education. Gender inequality is a major issue faced by women in the United States. In summary, social learning theory sees gender identity as coming from performance of gender- related behaviors, whereas cognitive developmental theory sees gender-related behaviors as coming from the cognitive adoption of a gender identity. Gender socialization is examined through a social psychological lens by applying identity theory and identity control theory. STUDY. Assess the range of possible ways of constructing gender and sexuality by sharing examples from different cultures, including small-scale societies. Work in feminist theory, including research regarding gender equality, is ongoing. Since then, the examination of LGBT rights has traversed multiple theoretical and methodological approaches . Doing this requires that we suspend what we are used to and what feels comfortable, and question some of our most fundamental beliefs. gender and gender difference is done in order to create an understanding of gender as such. What is the difference between social learning theory and gender schema theory? Firstly, Inequality theory explains the biological difference between men and women which is inescapable, amongst race, class, culture and tradition irrespective of being developed or underdeveloped. Three Rs taught by school; rithmetic, reading and riting. . Like queer studies and men's studies, it originated in the interdisciplinary program women's studies (concerning women, feminism, gender, and politics ). . Analyze how anthropology as a discipline is affected by gender ideology and gender norms. Butler's work can be linked with J. L. Austin's work on the . theory integrates psychological and sociostructural determinants within a unified conceptual structure. "Gender is a sociological concept," it states, "that is based on the fact that relations between men and women are socially and culturally constructed. As such,. Butler's theories on gender identity and gender performativity were based on the notion of destabilizing gender identities and categories. Briefly stated, critical theory is "a complex theoretical perspectivethat explores the historical, cultural, and ideological lines of authority that underlie social conditions.". Gender is an essential aspect of the exploration of social identity; it defines the roles and expectations of the individual in pre-existing constructs of society. Main Idea of Gender-Based Theories. Intersectionality and Critical Theory. Flashcards. If children will be able to learn values, skills, and norms required to functioning in the society, then the education is primary instrument for learning. An Evolutionary Perspective Jealousy is an intense emotional reaction that affects all types of people in different cultures all over the world (Buss, 2001). Radicals in this circle never use those very bad words man and men . These theories can be generally divided into three families: biological, socialization, and cognitive. Chapter 11 "Gender and Gender Inequality" examines some of the arguments of feminist theory at great length. Either way, sex is a biological classification based on body parts. In this paper we reflect upon the contribution that second wave 'mod-emist feminism' has made to our understanding of gender and health and the challenge that is posed by post-structuralism. Historically, feminism has evolved from the critical examination of inequality between the sexes to a more nuanced focus on the social . It explores the evolution of gender and development theory, introduces competing theoretical frameworks, and examines new and emerging debates. Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology. Current research from the fields of family and sociological social psychology are surveyed to provide a better conception of how the family operates as agents of socialization, and how identities that are cultivated and fostered in youth provide meaning throughout the . In 1949, Beauvoir would write the book, The Second Sex, where she challenged gender roles for women. "Social," the first part of the word, means relating to society or an organization. standpoint theory, a feminist theoretical perspective that argues that knowledge stems from social position. To take a specific example, let's consider how each theoretical perspective might explain the gender wage gap. The field of gender and health is wide and, since we cannot do justice to the full range of con- becoming gendered involves impersonating an ideal that nobody . Gender stratification occurs when gender differences give men greater privilege and power over women, transgender, and gender-non-conforming people. This establishes that society empowers males in every aspect of social interaction. Feminist theory is the extension of feminism into theoretical or philosophical discourse. While social-scientifically based theories of gender caused less stir, gender theories that incorporated ideas of Foucault, Derrida, and French femininists initially provoked incredible debate and tension among historians. Queer focuses on "mismatches" between sex, gender and desire. The theory emerged from the Marxist argument that people from an oppressed class have special access to knowledge that is . Many social scientists use one of two main approaches or perspectives within intersectionality theory: an intersecting approach or interlocking approach. Theoretical Perspectives on Gender. Testosterone is a sex hormone, which is more present in males than females, and affects development and behavior both before and after birth. Martin and Halverson's (1981) gender-schema theory focuses on the ways that gender schemas organize, bias, and regulate thinking, attention, and behavior. Testosterone, when released in the womb, causes the development of male sex organs (at 7 weeks) and acts upon the hypothalamus which results in the masculinization of the brain. For example, a sociologist studying why middle-school girls are more likely than their male counterparts to fall behind grade-level expectations in math and science might use a feminist perspective to frame her research. James Aimers. Through a student at Columbia University, we discovered that "gender" was a key term in a new field, "gender studies". Gender research offers updated empirical knowledge about gendered practices, norms, and discourses in politically significant ways. Theoretical Perspectives The three main theoretical perspectives in sociology--structural-functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism--offer insights into the nature, causes, and consequences of poverty and economic inequality. This claims gender role behaviours are related to ensuring the survival of ones genes. Gender identity consolidates during separation-individuation and gender pathology bears . For example, Pincock's (2017) study discusses the impact of repressive norms on the education of girls in Tanzania. Gender studies is an interdisciplinary academic field devoted to analysing gender identity and gendered representation. This was a result of the LGBT movement that had articulated the demand for equal rights and freedom of sexual and gender minorities a decade before. Psychodynamic theory The critical gender theory is reflective of the social constructionist concept in which identity categories are . Sociological theories help sociologists to develop questions and interpret data. Feminist theory is the extension of feminism into theoretical or philosophical discourse. about gender seem to be obvious truths, that we need to step back and examine gender from a new perspective. What is the difference between social learning theory and gender schema theory? "Gender is an impersonation . Theoretical Perspectives on Gender and Development demytsifies the theory of gender and development and shows how it plays an important role in everyday life. Beauvoir begins her book by stating the obvious when she writes, "Science and philosophy assumed that society's prevailing opinions about men and women were grounded in sex so that gender corresponded to sex.". Spell. Gender essentialism is the widely discredited and outdated idea that men and women act differently and have different options in life because of intrinsic or essential differences between the sexes. To take a specific example, let's consider how each theoretical perspective might explain the gender wage gap. 1 . Gender essentialism is responsible for gender stereotypes about men and women, such as the idea that men should be aggressive while women should be caretakers, and is used to justify social issues like sexism and the gender wage gap. Gender roles are sets of cultural expectations that define the ways in which each sex should behave. R. W. Connell's social theory of gender, explicated and discussed in this paper, satisfies all these criteria of postmodern-feminist theory. According to Linsey 2007, sex is the biological difference between men and women while gender is the social construction of sexes considering race . In 1949, Beauvoir would write the book, The Second Sex, where she challenged gender roles for women. Traditionally, there are three main psychological explanations of how we navigate the path to gender identity. The main idea of the gender-based theories is that society, as a whole, is considered to be patriarchal, or male-based. Social constructionism is a theory of knowledge that holds that characteristics typically thought to be immutable and solely biologicalsuch as gender, race, class, ability, and sexualityare products of human definition and interpretation shaped by cultural and historical contexts (Subramaniam 2010). In summary, social learning theory sees gender identity as coming from performance of gender- related behaviors, whereas cognitive developmental theory sees gender-related behaviors as coming from the cognitive adoption of a gender identity. Abstract. Feminist theory is a type of conflict theory that examines inequalities in gender-related issues. All focus on early childhood, that is, up until about seven years of age. Sociologists view gender as learned behavior and a culturally produced identity, and as such, it is a social category. According to biological theories, psychological and behavioral gender differences are due to the . [8] Critical theory is a broad knowledge area which has developed significantly since its origins in the ideas of Karl . For one thing, the theories raised hackles as elitist and not accessible to everyone. One of the earliest uses of gender in feminist theory can be traced to the 1976 University of Sussex Workshop on the Subordination of Women and the school of thought that emerged from this workshop. Gender research is vital because sex, love, care, and reproduction are basic dimensions in life, and yet, the meaning of gender is contested. The perspective denies that traditional science is objective and suggests that research and theory have ignored and marginalized women and feminist ways of thinking. The idea of gender as performance was popularized by American poststructuralist philosopher Judith Butler. Critique of Kristeva - Critique of Essentialism. Thus theory is incorporated at some level into almost every class the department offers. Gender performance is the idea that gender is something inscribed in daily practices, learned and performed based on cultural norms of femininity and masculinity. It's a rapidly expanding body of literature that seeks to answer a series of questions about what is normal, how normal comes to exist, and who is excluded or oppressed by those notions of norms. Thirdly, attention is paid to different aspects regarding women and work. Created by. . Terms in this set (17) psychoanalytic theory. Sociological theories help to explain complex human behaviors, social phenomena, and social structures. The motivating force in this theory is the maintenance of cognitive consistency and the need for self-definition. Gender schema model is . An important aspect in developing teaching material on gender and health is the inclusion of various gender theories. Nicholson calls this 'the coat-rack view' of gender: our sexed bodies are like coat racks and "provide the site upon which gender [is] constructed" (1994, 81). Examine gender from a structural-functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspective Theoretical Perspectives on Gender Sociological theories help to explain complex human behaviors, social phenomena, and social structures. In other words, it is the idea that men and women are fundamentally different for reasons that are unchangeable. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the verb "queering" means "to consider or interpret something from a perspective that rejects traditional categories of gender and sexuality". In this theoretical perspective, gender conceptions and roles are the product of a broad network of social influences operating interdependently in a variety of societal subsystems. Gender schema theory was introduced by psychologist Sandra Bem in 1981 and asserted that children learn about male and female roles from the culture in which they live. Gender stratification occurs when gender differences give men greater privilege and power over women, transgender, and gender-non-conforming people. ; The Functionalist Perspective: A broad social . Secondly, a general overview of feminist theory is given, followed by several feminist approaches and their views on the origins of gender inequalities. One evolutionary theory of gender is mate selection. Gender is also a demonstration of one's masculinity or femininity which abides by behaviours . Much of the work in gender studies and queer theory, while influenced by feminist criticism, emerges from post-structural interest in fragmented, de-centered knowledge building (Nietzsche, Derrida . Gender is the sociocultural distinction between male and female. Students acquire skills for reading and employing theory in their pursuit of the intellectual, social . Gender Essentialism Theory. Symbolic Interactionism Whereas the functionalist and conflict perspectives are macro approaches, symbolic interactionism is a micro approach that focuses on the interaction of individuals and on how they interpret their interaction. Write. Learn. Beauvoir begins her book by stating the obvious when she writes, "Science and philosophy assumed that society's prevailing opinions about men and women were grounded in sex so that gender corresponded to sex.". What is meant by Anaphoric? 7 Pages. In 2017, full-time working women made 80.5 cents to every dollar earned by men, meaning there . Gender, on the other hand, is a social classification based on one's identity, presentation of self, behavior, and interaction with others. 5 Pages. Having a wide variety of implications . But the fundamental thing is that women are more like men than anything else in the world. This is not easy, for gender is so central to our understanding of ourselves and of the world that it . Let's go ahead and explain these two . Gender schema model is . Gender identities are the conceptions we have of ourselves as being male or female. A theoretical perspective is a set of assumptions about reality that inform the questions we ask and the kinds of answers we arrive at as a result. We now turn to these four theoretical perspectives, . Freud's Theory of Psychosexual Development. The gender perspective looks at the impact of gender on people's opportunities, social roles and interactions. The Functionalist . The slogan 'Gender is the social interpretation of sex' captures this view. 1169 Words. Theoretical Perspectives on Gender. Match. Open Document. What is social constructionism theory? The recognition of gender as determined by social construct is common to many feminisms, as well as LGBT theory, as is the recognition that gender, sex and sexuality interconnect with other axes of power and identification such as race, age, ethnicity, religion, [dis]ability and health status among others. Nevertheless, the issue of whether social cognitive theory is sufficiently comprehensive to stand alone as the theoretical framework for gender role development is a subject of debate, and it can be argued that there is much to be gained from continuing to explore alternative perspectives as well. What is the importance of gender theory? Whatever the theory, gender roles differ in different cultures. Define key terms such as heteronormativity . What is the purpose of gender studies? The argument is supported by two theories which are, sexism and discrimination. gender-related research on reproductive health. If our society were truly free, then the labels of "male" and "female" would not be assigned at birth. Integration And Future Directions Theoretical Perspectives on Gender The first thing that strikes the careless observer is that women are unlike men. Gravity. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) Early childhood experiences influence personality development. What is typically termed "androgynous" by its apologists is a man or woman who has developed through great effort through the use of clothing, make-up, or hair design the sort of look that reminds. Liberal feminists view gender inequality as arising out of gender differences in socialization, while Marxist feminists say that this inequality is a result of the rise of capitalism, which made women dependent on men for economic support. Sexism refer to the belief, that men do have the capacity for some jobs but women don't; due to biological differences. Queer theory is a diverse field of studies that involves a lot of disparate ideas. RoyalRebel808. Theoretical Perspectives. Firstly, Inequality theory explains the biological difference between men and women which is inescapable, amongst race, class, culture and tradition irrespective of being developed or underdeveloped. Butler argues that "the act that one does, the act that one performs is, in a sense, an act that's been going on before one arrived on the scene" (Gender Trouble).). . The theory of gender holds that there is a socially constructed sex based on differentiated social roles and stereotypes in addition to anatomical, biological sex, which is innate." The mind is therefore equipped with 'instincts' that enabled our ancestors to survive and reproduce. Given the ubiquitous influence of gender in a person's life, a number of theories have been developed to explain gender development. According to Linsey 2007, sex is the biological difference between men and women while gender is the social construction of sexes considering race . Dorothy Sayers, Unpopular Opinions(1946) According to the theory, children adjust their behavior to align with the gender norms of their culture from the earliest stages of social development.