GENDER STRATIFICATION: Males' and females' unequal access to power, prestige, and property on the basis of their sex

SEX: Biological characteristics that distinguish females and males, consisting of primary and secondary sex characteristics

PRIMARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS: Consists of the sexual/anatomical organs of reproduction (vagina, ovaries, penis, testicals).

SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS: Physical distinctions between males and females that are not directly connected with reproduction (normally evident at puberty- males: muscles, deep voice, body hair, etc.. , females: fatty tissue, boarder hips, breast, etc...)

GENDER: The behaviors and attitudes that a society considers proper for its males and females; masculinity or femininity

PATRIARCHY: A society or group in which men dominate women; authority is vested in males.

MATRIARCHY: A society in which women as a group dominate men as a group

GENDER INEQUALITY IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE:
Note that women face inequality in all of the following social institutions at various levels- refer to your text/notes for specific information more.

Occupations/Work/Pay
Education
Politics
Violence

WOMEN AS MINORITY (HISTORY):

Women have historically been seen as the minority in most cultures (despite out numbering men). All cultures set gender as a way to divide people which allows for unequal access to power, property and prestige. Their minority status is due to how they are treated.

The origins of patriarchy support the historical context above.

FEMINISM: The philosophy that men and women should be politically, econmically, and socially equal; organized activities on behalf of this principle

Masculinity is valued more highly for it represents strength and success.

Femininity is devalued for it is perceived as symbolizing weakness and lack of accomplishment.

Studies show that women have less access to education historically.

Women out number men in college now- however studies show that women are less likely to finish doctoral programs and that they have less power, property (pay) and prestige in the academic world.

GLASS CEILING: The mostly in visible barrier that keeps women from advancing to the top levels at work.

GLASS ESCALATOR: The mostly invisible accelerators that push men into higher-level positions, more desirable work assignments, and higher salaries.

See cartoon on page 304

The abuse of one's position of authority to force unwanted sexual demands on someone

Note that sexual harassment can be done by any sex/gender towards any sex/gender.

GENDER & VIOLENCE:
Overwhelming the victims of rape and murder are females.

Conflict theorist point out that men use their power over women to control them.