Discusstion Question

1. Think about the division of labor along gender lines in the household in which you grew up. Who did what? Why was it like that? Would you want to maintain or change this in your own adult household? Why? If you are cohabitating now (with a spouse, partner, or roommates), discuss how you divide the labor in your current household and if it is similar to the way household chores were distributed in your family of origin (and why or why not).

2.What does “equal rights” mean to you? How much equality is there between men and women in U.S. society?

3.Gender role socialization begins at birth, or before. Friends and relativeswant to know the sex of the expected child so that they can purchase gender-appropriate blankets, pillows, bibs, and clothes (blue or pink). The socialization continues and becomes more intense as children get older. Is it possible to raise boys and girls in the same way? Is it desirable? What are some of the obvious ways in which children are taught gender roles? Can people change those to reduce gender-based discrimination? Should we? If so, how? Be specific in outlining some proactive ways to create gender equity through changing gender roles and expectations.

4.How are gender roles related to sex roles? What do they teach us about how to act sexually and with whom to have sex?

5.Why should women in the United States care about the status of women in Bangladesh or Ethiopia or other distant nations? Is there any responsibility for the U.S. women’s movement to participate in the global women’s movement? Why or why not? If so, what are some of the ways in which U.S. women can contribute?

6.Why should men be interested in promoting equal rights and opportunities for women? What are some appropriate ways for men to help women gain greater social, political, and economic power?

7.What do you think would be the most effective way to diminish social inequality between the sexes in the United States? Political inequality? Economic inequality?

8.What do you think would be the most effective way to diminish social inequality between the sexes in the United States? Political inequality? Economic inequality?

9.If you were to conduct a study about sex discrimination, how would you go about doing so? What theoretical perspective would best help you make sense of your findings?

10.Describe how women of color are “doubly oppressed” and lesbian women of color are “triply oppressed” in our society. Does your friendship circle include people of various (a) genders, (b) sexual orientations, and (c) races? Why or why not?