Learning Objectives

This chapter introduces students to the study of gender. It discusses gender stratification, the relationships between gender and sexuality, and the role of gender in industrialized societies.

I.

You need to know the difference between sex and gender and why gender is a cultural construction. In addition, you need to know the difference between gender roles and gender stereotypes.

II.

You should be familiar with the nature of gender relations among foragers. In particular, you need to know what the domestic-public dichotomy is and how it relates to differences in status between genders.

III.

You should be familiar with the nature of gender relations among horticulturalists. In particular, you should know what conditions influence how pronounced gender stratification is in a given community. In addition, you should be familiar with the patrilineal-patrilocal complex.

IV.

You must be familiar with the discussion of homosexuality among the Etoro. You should know how homosexual intercourse functions and is sanctioned in Etoro society. Also, you need to know what this case study tells us about human sexuality.

V.

You need to know how sexualities and gender vary across cultures.

VI.

You should be familiar with the nature of gender relations among agriculturalists.

VII.

You should be familiar with the relationship between patriarchy and violence against women.

VIII.

You need to know how industrialism has affected gender. In particular, you need to be familiar with how and why poverty in industrialized states is becoming feminized.

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