Gender has an enormous influence on people's lives. In this chapter, we explain the cultural basis for gender and examine the ways in which gender defines a person's social roles. Four theoretical perspectives on gender are discussed and the economic and social effects of prejudice and discrimination on women around the world are explored. After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
| 1. Discuss how gender roles define different expectations for females and males. |
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| 2. Explain how homophobia contributes to rigid gender-role socialization. |
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| 3. Summarize what Margaret Mead learned in her cross-cultural studies. |
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| 4. Compare and contrast the functionalist, conflict, feminist, and interactionist perspectives of gender roles. |
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| 5. Define instrumentality and expressiveness. |
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| 6. Explain what sociologists mean by sexism, institutional discrimination, and sexual harassment. |
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| 7. Discuss what the term glass ceiling means. |
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| 8. Explain why sociologists contend that many women work a second shift when they get home. |
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| 9. Describe the ways in which women who belong to minority groups experience a double jeopardy. |