Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

Sexism Sexism is the belief that one sex is inferior to another and that difference justifiesunequal treatment. This view is rooted in biology where many view gender differences originate. Inequalitiesare evident in almost every society – with men being the dominant forces. Media, language, and in some cases, religion endorse this view. Several movements and legislative measures have attempted tobridge the inequality gap. • The feminist movement of the 1960s brought about much change and a challenge to society to break from historical molds. • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 legislated that men and women be paid the same wage for doing the same job. • The Equal Rights Movement of 1972 insisted that sex should not be a reason to deny someone equal rights. Despite such measures, earnings inequalities still exist. Men still tend to have the most to gain from marriage as well. Women must maintain the home and provide care even if they pursue employment outside its walls. The wage gap still exists, though it has shrunk. Women earn about 65% of what men do in the same or relative positions. There are three commonly referred to reasons for the inequalities that exist in the workplace. They are: • Human capital model: Men and women contribute unequally to the labor market and invest in training and education unequally. This is commonly attributed to women’s lack of desire to expend more energy outside their home/families. • Considered choice model: Women choose lower-end jobs that require less from thembecause of their family/home commitments. • Discrimination model: Women are commonly placed in jobs that lack equal wages or promotion opportunity. These types of jobs are commonly called “pink-collar” jobs and consist of such placements as waitress, cashier, and receptionist. Women are historically underrepresented in politics, even though they tend to be more politically active. 4.6 Aging Stratification based on age revolves around how people are treated differently according to their age. In this way, age is a social status. The traditional stages of human aging include childhood, maturity, and old age. Modern stages of human aging offer more variety and include infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, old age. Age, and perceived age, is an important social status; it affects every relationship and societal expectations. Because of the importance of age, many societies have instituted rites of passage, or formal ceremonies that mark one’s transition from one age status to the next. For example, graduation and retirement are two widely practiced rites of passage in the Americansociety.

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