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Gender inequality is widely discussed in the modern world and inspires the feminist movement to promote its philosophy instead of the idea of male superiority. Functionalists argue that social change in relation to gender roles is impossible since differentiation is the basis for the functioning of society (Croteau & Hoynes, 2019). However, given the criteria which characterize all the transformations occurring in society, one can conclude that feminism has high chances to succeed.
Chapters Review
Chapter 11 provides information on sex, gender, and social phenomena associated with these concepts. First of all, the difference between sex as a purely biological characteristic and gender as a social construct is discussed. Gender expectations are determined by biological sex, culture, and level of interaction, and following them causes a certain reaction of approval or censure in society. Being an exclusively social construct, gender, and its influence on a persons life in society is taught through communication with other people and communities. Since different genders are assigned different expectations, ideological and social inequality arises in sexism and various forms of social order. Gender also affects the allocation of resources both within the family and in economics or politics. Inequality also results in the emergence of gender-based violence and harassment, which has received more and more attention lately. Thus, the chapter explores the relationship between gender and society in different contexts.
Chapter 17 is devoted to social change and various theories of its origin and development. Globalization is discussed separately as a type of large-scale transformation of the modern world, its history, and its impact on various processes and structures. Shifts in demography, including migration processes, have also been identified as the source of social change. Most transformations occur unintentionally and unexpectedly, but the chapter also describes social movements as the engine of intentional social change. They can be aimed at correcting specific problems or phenomena in society, especially those which negatively affect certain groups of people. Social movements involve several organizational measures, which are also described in the chapter.
Gender Inequality
Gender inequality is a result of the unequal distribution of resources in society and of defined gender roles and associated expectations. Thus, women are forced to perform the functions which are assigned to them, even if they have other personal aspirations. However, in the modern world, the spectrum of womens activities is much wider than before, which allows laying the foundation for lasting social change.
Feminism and Social Change
A functionalist perspective that gender inequality has positive reasoning may be incorrect in relation to modern society. Inequality is defined as the unequal distribution of resources among groups of people (Croteau & Hoynes, 2019, p. 111). In particular, regarding gender, inequality implies the privilege of mens social position over women. Ideologically, this situation leads to the emergence and subsequent spread of sexism, which affects the life of society. A functionalist view of genders assumes a differentiation of roles for men and women. Men play an instrumental role as workers and achieve specific goals for financial stability. At the same time, women have an expressive function of providing support for children and the household. Thus, gender roles ensure the familys integrity, defining the range of tasks for each of its members. However, with the advent of capitalism, reality changed, and many women also participated as performers in hired labor. It was this assumption which became the basis for the social movement for womens rights.
The feminist movement challenged the functionalist views of the 1960s and 1970s. Feminism is defined as a philosophy that advocates social, political, and economic equality for women and men (Croteau & Hoynes, 2019, p. 291). As with any other social movement, feminism seeks to achieve social change, which has a number of characteristics. One of the main features is that the changes are continuous but partial. It is implied that they occur throughout history but do not influence fundamental aspects. Another characteristic is that change occurs at different levels, which affect each other. Thus, micro-changes can then turn into global transformations because structures and communities constantly interact. Social movements are often unintentional and stem from the same aspirations of many people. However, there will always be an opposing force which does not want one or another change. Thus, any social initiative can have a significant impact, but it is not always easy to promote it.
A feminist movement aimed at eliminating gender inequalities can produce lasting change. The womens rights movement can change certain parts of society, but it will not influence the characteristics associated with biological sex. Changes are inevitable, as the world changes and the old rules do not always fit the new, but the basis will remain the same. Feminists promote womens equality in many areas, including social, political, and economical. Thus, they can produce global transformation at different levels, interacting, and creating a new system. The movement arose from the desire of many women to claim their rights, which was shaped by many factors. Thus, feminism appeared unintentionally but in response to the needs of a particular group. The movement has many opponents, not only among men but also among women who support traditional social forms. Therefore, the possible changes to which feminism can lead meet all characteristics and can be consolidated in society.
Women have a need for gender equality, which will inevitably lead to social change. However, the scale of transformation is difficult to predict based on the unpredictability of human behavior. The feminist movement unites people in the shared desire and affects different parts of society, which ultimately will allow it to have a significant impact. Capitalist society implies a new social form and new social orders.
Reference
Croteau, D., & Hoynes, W. (2019). Experience Sociology (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
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