Transcript SSE – 110 Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work

SSE – 110
Introduction to Social
Welfare and Social Work
Chapter 13
Sexism & Achieving Equality
History of Sex Roles and
Sexism
• In almost every society, women have had a lower
status than men.
• Double standards.
• God in almost all religions is viewed male.
• See exhibit 13.1 “The Ideal Wife According to
Buddhism”.
• Prior to the Industrial Revolution most societies
had ascribed roles for males and females.
• As the traditional roles for women began to
change, some females begin to pursue activities
(for example, outside employment).
History of Sex Roles and
Sexism
• In 1848 two feminists (Susan B. Anthony &
Elizabeth Stanton) organized the first women’s
right caucus.
• The 19th amendment took over 70 years to pass –
giving women the right to vote (1920).
• Some modern birth control methods became
available in the early 1900’s.
• During World War II, a large number of women
were employed outside the home for the first time.
• The 1960’s saw a resurgence of interest in sex role
inequality.
• In 1955 research raised questions about the
biological determination of sex roles (see pages
426 - 427).
History of Sex Roles and
Sexism
• Socialization patterns of boys and girls.
• NOW – National Organization for Women (1996).
• The 1964 Civil Rights Act to end racial
discrimination also prohibited discrimination on
the basis of gender.
• In 1972 the Equal Rights Amendment received
Congress’ approval but never got the 38 states
needed to ratify it. In 1982 time ran out on what
would have been the 27th Amendment to the
Constitution.
History of Sex Roles and
Sexism
• A variety of statues have been passé to prevent
sex discrimination.
1. The Federal Equal Pay Act of 1963.
2. Civil Rights Act of 1964.
3. Order 11246 – as amended by Executive
Order 11375 On October 13, 1967, forbids
sex discrimination by federal suppliers
and contractors and provides for
enforcement.
4. The Equal Credit Act of 1974, bars
discrimination on the basis of marital
status or gender in credit transactions.
History of Sex Roles and
Sexism
• Despite the laws sex discrimination still exists.
• See pages 426 – 427 (second column).
Sexual Harassment
• Sexual harassment – entails repeated and
unwanted sexual advances.
• Types of sexual harassment include 1. verbal, 2.
nonverbal, 3. physical (see exhibit 13.3).
• Sexual harassment almost always involves
elements of unequal power and coercion.
• In June 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that
an employer could be held liable when a
supervisor sexually harassed a worker, even if
the employee’s job is not harmed.
Traditional Sex – Role
Expectations
• Sex roles are learned patterns of behavior that are
expected of the sexes in a given society.
• Traditional sex roles for females (see pages 428 –
429).
• Traditional sex roles for males (see pages 429).
• See exhibit 13.4 on page 426.
Is There a Biological Basis for Sexism?
• Most research today support the notion that sexrole differences are due to socialization patterns.
• See page 427– the work / findings of Dr. Margaret
Mead.
Sex Role Socialization
• Blue for boys and pink for girls.
• Little boys are given trucks and girls are given
dolls.
• See page 453 – 100 studies done by the American
Association of University Women.
• The mass media play a large part in sex-role
socialization (ads).
Consequences of Sexism
• Sexism is prejudice or discrimination against
women.
• Although females are a majority in our society they
are considered a minority group because they are
victims of discrimination.
1. Effects on occupation and income:
• Women tend to be concentrated in lower paying
jobs.
• Women’s pay is about three-fourths that of males.
• Women hold less than 10% of the nations elected
positions.
• Women hold only 2% of top management positions.
• See table 13.3 – page 431.
Consequences of Sexism
2. Effects on human interaction:
• Females have more social restrictions (vs. boys).
• Pressure to have the Miss America look.
• Double standards.
• Male seek to be dominant in male / female
relationships.
• Women experience more depression.
• Women have more dissatisfaction with marriage.
• Women may avoid success due to feeling less
feminine.
• Effects on Human Interactions – see pages 432 434.
Recent Developments and a
Look Toward the Future
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A sex role revolution is occurring in our society.
Women are more involved in sports.
Women are pursuing all types of professions.
A men’s movement is slowly becoming more
prominent.
• Flexible role socialization.
• See 13.7 – Strategies for Achieving Sexual
Equality – page 436.
• President Obama’s Proposals
to Advance the Status of
Women – p.435.
Sexism and Social Work
• Male social workers can earn more money than
female social workers.
• Males hold more administrative positions.
• NASW’s response –
• The Feminist perspective on therapy – Model for
treating female clients from a feminist
perspective – see pages 438 - 442.
Future Directions
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NOW
Seek help for single parent families.
Equal pay for equal work.
Encourage female candidates for public office.