Stratification by Gender and Agege - Essay Example

To make this discipline work, theoretical frameworks in the form of theories are used to explain and analyze social actions, structures and various social processes. These theories aid in organizing social research. It is imperative to realize the significance of these theories not only to develop a positive attitude towards life and society but also to modulate the situation so as to add meaning to it in a cognitive and overall holistic development (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed). Sociological theories explaining stratification by gender and age are based on theoretical assumptions encompassing positivism, materialism, idealism, determinism, individualism and free will (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed).

They provide an attitude towards critical thinking that includes rationality, logic, objectivity and knowledge (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed). It is an essential tool used by scholars to analyze the society and therefore these are interdisciplinary, drawing ideas from and contributing to various disciplines of human endeavor (Stark, 2007). Gender responsibilities require proper behavior, attitudes and activities of both males and females in the society. The social theories defining stratification by gender signify women as an oppressed majority group and must be feminine, soft, emotional, sweet and submissive while boys or males must be masculine, aggressive in temperament, tough, daring and dominant (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed). . Women perform the roles of being expressive and emotionally supportive while men take the role of being instrumental and practical (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed).

According to the conflict response of the sociological theory there is no parallel power relationship between men and women. Women are always considered as the weaker gender and men have a dominant position over women. This difference is due to suppression of women by men (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed).According to the feminist perspective, in capitalist societies, women's subordination in injustice and exploitation is prevalent. This has gained pace with the rise in private property during industrialization (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed).

The dominance of men is also seen in the interaction theory which states that men are more likely to change topics of conversation or rather ignore topics chosen by women. The theory further states that if the idea is given by a women then it doesn't gain much appreciation rather women are always interrupted (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed).The stratification by gender also brings focus on the ideology of sexism which states that one sex (male) is superior to other (female). It also encompass discrimination and male prejudice leading to sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment also involves work benefits, favors, touching, lewd comments and thereby creating hostile environment (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed).This stratification is prevalent all over the world and therefore women remain in second-class position in major part of the world especially in the developing countries and are exploited for labor (Schaefer, R, 5th Ed). The gender stratification is also prevalent in developed nations like US but still is underrepresented in occupations defined as "men's jobs" which keep