Population Inequality

Purpose Examine the nature of gender and race as basis for inequality and social stratification

Introduction and overview Although we like to believe that each individual is unique and has equal opportunity and rights, we are all members of social categories that influence our lives. Nevertheless, social norms and prejudice continue to define some places as male or female, black or white, rich or poor.

Gender inequality Despite efforts, violence and discrimination against women remain a global problem instigating fear and insecurity in many womens lives. Equality between men and women is a matter for socie3ty at large, but it also a matter of the family Attitudes and behaviours are strongly influenced by societal expectations o E.g. Definitions of masculinity are often rigidly stereotypical Acts; not the object of action proper sphere of action is economic or political, not domestic or familiar The head of his family may choose personal pleasure over family o In cultures where patriarchy is accepted as the only proper family structure, men ad women may be trapped in whose dependencies and o Family, home and private life are the province of womens authority and concern E.g. The cost of gender inequality o Results in lost opportunities and prevents mutual gain o Diverts resources from womens activities o Blinding them from productive alternatives o Obstructs social as well as economic participation, closes off possible partnerships o Reduces womens effectiveness by failing to support them in E.g. US o Female CEOSs: 2003 1.4% 2013 4.2% o Stay-at-home Dads 2001 1.6% 2011 3.4%

Ethnic and Racial Inequalities Race Ethnic Social meanings Certain kinds of behavioural qualities are associated with the physical characteristics Define these behaviour qualities as good or bad, as desirable or undesirable Groups of people differing in linguistics or culture Technically an anthropologic or biological term Racial or ethnic conflict Concepts and definitions Nature of differences and minority status Dynamics of race ethnic relationships Conflict over scarce resources Processes or actions by the dominant group

Group identity Every group of any size develops an identity Often the identity sets them apart from others a secret handshake, code words and other symbolic things.

Ethnocentrism Good the strength that it gives to the group Bad The tendency for our group to use these moral beliefs to put down or keep down others who do not look or believe as we do

Voluntary segregation Segregation is generally seen as a negative thing, a way to control a group of people who are different Most immigrant groups have initially voluntarily segregated themselves

Involuntary segregation Inevitably is the result of discrimination the active diffential treatment of a group based upon something such as skin colour or religion Discrimination is behaviour that denies a group of people equal access to the goods and services of a community The critical point to keep in mind about discrimination and involuntary segregation is that the source of these actions is located in the behaviours of the dominant community individuals

Conflict over scarce resources Many racial and national origin conflicts often have their roots in economic and status differences Conflicts of status and economic sorts have their basis ultimately in the availability of resources in the community

Processes or actions by dominant group Assimilation o Two groups that use to be distinct are no longer distinguishable from one another o Essentially what was meant by the melting pot concept Pluralism o Two or more racial/ethnic/national origin groups remain distinct from one another but live together of the differences and in relative harmony Often doomed to failure Relocation o Move the differing groups into enclaves where they can be with their own kind o SEGREGATION Extermination o Annihilation of the offending group