Overview
This lecture introduces the sociological study of gender, distinguishing it from sex, and examines gender differences across various areas of society. It highlights ongoing issues and changes in gender roles, representation, and the challenges of capturing gender diversity in research and statistics.
Gender vs. Sex: Sociological Definitions
- Sociologists define gender as the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male, female, or other identities, separate from biological sex.
- Some sociologists study how biological differences (such as menstruation, childbirth, and anatomy) affect social experiences, but most focus on how society treats people based on gender.
- The main emphasis in sociology is on the impact of social expectations and treatment related to gender, rather than biological sex.
Social Institutions and Gender Differences
- Gender differences are analyzed in education, employment, family roles, media representation, and other social institutions.
- Sociologists often use quantitative data to identify trends and patterns, but most official data collection (like tax forms and the census) is based on a male/female binary.
- This binary approach often excludes or misrepresents non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals, making their experiences less visible in official statistics.
Contemporary Trends and Data Gaps
- There is a growing body of research on non-binary and gender non-conforming people, but their experiences are still underrepresented in official data on education, employment, and demographics.
- The 2017 UK government LGBT survey was the first of its kind and signaled a shift toward recognizing gender diversity in policy and research.
- Despite progress, reliable and valid data on non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals remain limited, affecting understanding of social trends.
Gender Differences in Education
- Over the past 30 years, girls have consistently achieved better educational outcomes than boys at all levels.
- Despite higher achievement, girls face issues such as increased reports of sexual harassment and being steered toward lower-paid careers and away from male-dominated subjects like science.
- Boys are often labeled as disruptive and are seen as having negative attitudes toward education, with particular concern for underachievement among working-class boys. Some argue that education has become feminized, which may discourage boys.
- Achievements of non-binary students are recorded by their registered sex, not their gender identity. Surveys, such as the 2017 LGBT survey, show higher rates of bullying and mental health issues among non-binary and gender non-conforming students.
Gender and Crime
- Males are statistically more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of crime.
- Sociologists examine how gender socialization and attitudes toward masculinity influence criminal behavior and status among males.
- Although males are more often victims of violent crime, public perception tends to overestimate female victimization, and women report higher levels of fear of crime.
- The criminal justice system and media often treat male and female victims differently, with women more likely to be blamed, especially in cases of sexual offenses.
Gender in Employment
- Women, on average, earn 7.9% less per hour than men (2021 data), and about one-third of employed women work part-time compared to about one-sixth of men.
- Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, with fewer than one in three CEOs of FTSE 350 companies being female in 2022, though this is a record high.
- The shift from manual labor to service sector jobs has led to a more feminized workplace, providing more opportunities for women and requiring men to adapt to new forms of work.
- Sociologists study both the progress toward workplace equality and the impact of these structural changes on men and women.
The Role of Feminism in Sociology
- Sociology was historically focused on male experiences, with early research centered on men’s activities.
- The influence of feminism and feminist scholars has greatly expanded the field, leading to broader perspectives on gender and more attention to women’s and non-binary experiences.
- Feminist contributions have driven progress toward gender equality, especially in Western societies, but significant gender differences and debates—such as those around abortion rights—remain central to sociological study.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Gender: Socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes considered appropriate for men, women, and non-binary individuals.
- Sex: Biological differences between males and females.
- Non-binary: A gender identity that does not exclusively align with male or female categories.
- Feminism: A movement and academic approach advocating for gender equality and expanded perspectives in research.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key issues related to gender in education, employment, and crime for further study.
- Prepare to discuss specific examples of how feminism has influenced sociological research and understanding of gender.
- Read about recent policy changes affecting gender rights, such as abortion legislation in the UK and USA, and consider their sociological implications.