Good morning, Ma’am. Good morning classmates. I am Sumicad together with my groupmates Ms. Siglos and Ms.
Barba who will be reporting about the gender and development. Before we proceed, let’s take a look again about
the definition of gender and sex as well as its distinction. This is just a quick overview as the other group before us
already discussed this one.
Introduction for GENDER and SEX
Gender and sex are distinct but interconnected concepts that refer to different aspects of human identity. Sex is
typically understood as a biological and physiological categorization based on reproductive organs, chromosomes,
and secondary sexual characteristics. It is commonly assigned at birth as either male or female. For example,
individuals with XX chromosomes are typically assigned female, while those with XY chromosomes are assigned
male.
On the other hand, gender is a complex social and cultural construct that encompasses the roles, behaviors,
expectations, and identities associated with being male or female in a given society. Unlike sex, gender is not strictly
binary and can encompass a spectrum of identities. It is influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors and can
vary across different cultures and historical periods. For instance, certain cultures may recognize more than two
gender categories, and individuals may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid, expressing a gender
identity outside the traditional male-female binary.
In summary, sex is often considered a biological and physiological classification, while gender is a social and cultural
construct that encompasses a broader range of identities and roles. Understanding the difference between gender
and sex is crucial for recognizing and respecting the diversity of human experiences and identities.
We have here the three major theories of gender development
GENDER SCHEMA THEORY
Title: Understanding Gender Schema Theory
[INTRODUCTION]
Gender Schema Theory. This theory, proposed by psychologist Sandra Bem, provides valuable insights into how
individuals develop and internalize gender roles and stereotypes. Let's break it down.
[SEGMENT 1: Definition]
Gender Schema Theory is a cognitive theory that suggests that individuals organize and process information about
gender based on their culturally influenced schemas or mental frameworks. These schemas are developed through
socialization and experience, shaping how we perceive and interpret gender-related information.
[SEGMENT 2: Development]
According to Bem, gender schemas start to form early in childhood. Children observe and internalize societal norms,
roles, and behaviors associated with being male or female. These schemas act as filters through which individuals
interpret and understand the world around them in a gendered context.
[EXAMPLE 1: Toy Preferences]
For instance, think about a common scenario: a toy store. Gender schemas might influence a child's toy preferences.
A boy, influenced by societal expectations, may lean towards trucks and action figures, while a girl might be drawn to
dolls and kitchen sets. These preferences are not solely innate but are shaped by the gender schemas they've
developed.
[SEGMENT 3: Stereotyping]
Gender Schema Theory also explains how individuals engage in gender stereotyping, where they categorize
information and behaviors as either masculine or feminine based on their pre-existing schemas. This can lead to the
reinforcement of traditional gender roles and expectations.
[EXAMPLE 2: Professional Aspirations]
Consider a career choice. If a person has a strong gender schema favoring traditional roles, they might associate
certain professions with being more suitable for men or women. Breaking these stereotypes becomes challenging as
individuals make choices aligned with their gender schemas.
[SEGMENT 4: Impact on Behavior]
The theory suggests that gender schemas influence not only how we perceive the world but also how we behave.
Our actions are often guided by these mental frameworks, impacting our interactions, relationships, and even career
choices.
[EXAMPLE 3: Leadership Perceptions]
In the workplace, gender schemas can affect perceptions of leadership. A male manager might be seen as assertive,
while a female manager displaying the same traits may be labeled as aggressive. These biased perceptions stem
from deeply ingrained gender schemas.
[CONCLUSION]
In summary, Gender Schema Theory, proposed by Sandra Bem, offers a valuable framework for understanding how
individuals internalize and apply gender roles in their everyday lives. By recognizing the influence of gender schemas,
we can work towards breaking down stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
That concludes our exploration of Gender Schema Theory.
EGALITARIAN GENDER IDEOLOGY:
Narrator: Egalitarian gender ideology is a concept that advocates for gender equality in all aspects of life 1. It believes
that men and women are equal and must be treated as such12.
Narrator: This ideology supports equal rights, roles, and responsibilities for men and women in political leadership,
work, income, education, and the home1. It does not support the idea that there is “women’s work” and “men’s
work” or gender-specific roles12.
Narrator: Now, let’s look at some examples of egalitarian gender ideology in action.
Narrator: One example can be seen in the changes in the domestic division of labor. Recent research has shown that
the housework share of women and men in heterosexual couples is converging in industrial countries 3. This is a
reflection of egalitarian gender ideology, which suggests that men and women should participate equally in both
work and family domains3.
Narrator: Another example can be found in the political realm. Political egalitarianism posits that each individual has
the same social power or influence over politics in work, government, and daily life 2. For instance, in a school setting,
principals have the authority over their teachers and staff to make choices for the school and grade 2. This
demonstrates that leadership roles are not confined to a specific gender.
Narrator: Egalitarian gender ideology is also a driving principle of many modern social movements, including the
Enlightenment, feminism, civil rights efforts, and the establishment of international human rights 4.
Narrator: In conclusion, egalitarian gender ideology is a belief system that promotes gender equality in all spheres of
life. It challenges traditional gender roles and advocates for equal rights, roles, and responsibilities for all genders 12.
Sure, here’s a script that explains the concept of gender inequality:
Narrator: Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender 12. It
arises from differences in socially constructed gender roles1. The United Nations and WHO define gender equality as
the absence of discrimination on the basis of a person’s sex in opportunities, the allocation of resources and
benefits, or access to services1.
Narrator: Now, let’s look at some examples of gender inequality in action.
Narrator: One example is the lack of mobility for women in certain countries. In Saudi Arabia, women are forbidden
to drive and must rely on their fathers or husbands to get from place to place3.
Narrator: Another example is the freedom of marriage. According to the U.N., 40 percent of young women in South
Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are married by age 183. Child marriage not only increases the chance of complications of
giving birth that often prove fatal, but also contravenes the fundamental human right of choice of partnership 3.
Narrator: Discriminatory divorce rights in most of the Middle East is another example. Countries are governed by
religious ideals and gender inequality is pervasive. As men are typically viewed as superior, they can divorce their
wives relatively easily and even through mere oral renunciation3.
Narrator: In conclusion, gender inequality is a pervasive issue that affects many aspects of life, from mobility and
marriage to education and economic independence4. It’s a complex issue that requires ongoing efforts to address
and overcome.
GENDER INEQUALITY
Gender inequality refers to the unfair treatment and disparities between individuals based on their gender. In
simpler terms, it means that in some places or situations, people are treated differently or have fewer opportunities
simply because they are male or female. This can happen in various areas of life, such as at work, in schools, or even
at home. For example, women may be paid less than men for doing the same job, or girls might not get the same
chances as boys to go to school. Gender inequality is like an unfair hurdle that some people face just because of their
gender, and it's an issue that many are working to change so that everyone, regardless of whether they are a man or
a woman, has the same chances and rights in life.
Narrator: Feminist theorizing of gender inequality is a complex and multifaceted field. It is characterized by four
main themes.
Narrator: The first theme is that men and women are situated in society unequally. This means that men and women
have different experiences, opportunities, and challenges based on their gender 12. For example, women often face
barriers in the workplace, such as the glass ceiling, which prevents them from reaching higher levels of leadership 1.
Another example is the lack of mobility for women in certain countries. In Saudi Arabia, women are forbidden to
drive and must rely on their fathers or husbands to get from place to place3.
Narrator: The second theme is the organization of society. Feminist theorists argue that society is structured in a
way that privileges men and disadvantages women4. This can be seen in many aspects of society, from the wage gap
to the underrepresentation of women in politics4. For instance, women are disproportionately represented in lower
paid employment5. Another example is the freedom of marriage. According to the U.N., 40 percent of young women
in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are married by age 183.
Narrator: The third theme is that there is no significant pattern of natural variation that distinguishes the sexes 6789.
This means that the differences we see between men and women are not inherent or biological, but are instead
socially constructed6789. For example, the idea that women are naturally more nurturing than men is a social
construct, not a biological fact8. Another example is the concept of sexual dimorphism, which refers to the
differences between males and females of the same species, such as in color, shape, size, and structure, that are
caused by the inheritance of one or the other sexual pattern in the genetic material 7.
Narrator: The fourth and final theme is that all inequality theories assume that society can transition fairly easily and
naturally to more egalitarian social structures10111213. This means that feminist theorists believe that it is possible to
create a society where men and women are truly equal10111213. This could involve changes in laws and policies, shifts
in cultural attitudes, and the dismantling of patriarchal structures10111213. For instance, the food-gathering bands of
the Kalahari Desert and Australia are classic examples of this kind of egalitarian society 12. Another example is the
changes in the domestic division of labor. Recent research has shown that the housework share of women and men
in heterosexual couples is converging in industrial countries11.
Narrator: In conclusion, feminist theorizing of gender inequality is a rich and diverse field that offers valuable
insights into the ways in which gender shapes our lives and our society.