Examples Of Gender Stratification

Gender and sex are categories that are used by all cultures to classify people. Gender and sex shape how we interact with others and how we think about ourselves. “Gender stratification is defined as the unequal distribution of wealth, power, and privilege between men and women. In short, gender affects the opportunities and constraints people face throughout their lives” (Macionis). Even though gender and sex are both terms used to refer to the differences between males and females or men and women, sex and gender are defined differently.
The term sex is a biological distinction between males and females. It refers to the physiological and biological differences between males and females (Interactive Presentation). In contrast, the term gender is a social …show more content…
Even if both a husband and wife work full time, usually the wife prepares dinner and cleans up the house. Whereas men usually mow the lawn and do yard work. However, many households are creating equal roles and taking on roles usually assigned to the opposite sex. For example, it used to be socially unacceptable for a female to mow the lawn but now many females mow the lawn consistently. On the other side, men now cook, clean, and help the children with homework, roles usually done by women. Gender roles are slowly diminishing within households.
Societies use the terms sex and gender to classify people. Sex is the biological distinction between males and females whereas gender is a social construction about what personality traits and behaviors are appropriate for members or each sex. Gender roles play a significant part in our society from birth to death. Based on gender, one is socially expected to act a certain way and do certain tasks. As early as the age of three, children begin to apply gender standards to themselves. From birth to death, gender shapes human feelings, thoughts, and