Shuk Ting Chan

Sociology 1

Professor Alvarado

February 9, 2017

On Gender: Witt Ch. 12

What is meant by the social construction of gender? Provide a thorough response, using

sociological terms and situations.

1) The social construction of gender is an idea that we are given when we born. It is the way

that society separated people to different gender. Most people think sex and gender are

the same. In details, gender is the characteristics that our society describe as man and

women. Sex is referring to biological differences including our chromosomes, hormonal

profiles and our sex organs. In some way, gender socialization had limited peoples

abilities and behaviors which men should have responsibility to be the head of the

household and women should stay at home to take care the family. However, the society

should have an open mind that both men and female can have different social roles

What is feminism? Discuss the first wave, second wave and third wave of feminism. How do

feminists address sexism, institutional discrimination and the glass ceiling?

2) Feminism is a belief that women should be tread as potential intellectual equals and

social equals as men. The first wave of feminism took place in the late nineteenth and

early twentieth century and the goal this movement was to open opportunities for women
 to gain political power. The second wave purpose was to fight against the tradition and

want to have equal rights, including the right of reproductive, sexual freedom. The third

wave was to have political, economic and social equality. Women addresses sexism and

institutional discrimination in the workplace by restrict the availability of job. Most of

them were office ladies, secretary and receptionist. The glass ceiling is to prevent women

to promote within workplace due to gender, race, and ethnicity

What occupations are men likely to perform? What occupations are women likely to perform?

(See pages 303-306). Compare their (men & women) earnings. Who is likely to earn more? What

accounts for wage gaps between men and women? Can such gaps be corrected?

3) Compare to female, the occupation of men is likely to be higher position, such as

firemen, engineer and police officer. But for women, they are likely to perform jobs of

officers, sales and teachers. More importantly, men can get a higher pay than women,

even they are in the same position. According the text book SOC 2013 "women earned

77cents for every dollar that men earned overall". Although the problem of gaps between

men and women had change, this issue still exists in the society.

What is the second shift? Explain. Culturally, is it possible to equalize the second shift? If

so, how? For more insight into women in the workplace, check out this video about women in

the workplace.

4) Second shift is double burden work which women can have more than one job at a time.

By saying these women not only be a housewife, they can also get a part time jobs

outside the house. Since the social tradition start to change and most people support the
idea of equality, it is possible to equalize the second shift in the future. One way to

achieve it is to get more education and earn more knowledge or experiences, so that

women can have more chance to get a higher position in workplace.