Theoretical Perspectives on Gender - Essay Example

Theoretical Perspectives on Gender Lecture Outline Opening: While we are all familiar with the concerns of gender bias in the workplace based upon gender differences, there are actually 3 different theories that try to explain gender differences in relation to social expectations of men and women. Thesis: By understanding the various gender theories we will come to a better understanding as to what causes gender bias in the workplace.Organizers: There are 3 types of gender theories that I wish to discuss in todays lecture. a. Theories of gender arising from biology -- .

Men’s unique physical advantages in terms of body size and upper body strength provided them an edge over women in those social activities that demanded such physical attributes such as hunting, herding and warfare. On the other hand, women’s biological capacity for reproduction and child-bearing is proposed to explain their limited involvement in other social activities. b. Theories of gender arising from socialization -- - - Gender role theory posits that boys and girls learn the appropriate behavior and attitudes from the family and overall culture they grow up with, and so non-physical gender differences are a product of socialization. c. Theories of gender arising from social role expectations -- proposes that the social structure is the underlying force for the gender differences.

Body: (Elaboration of 3 topics with opportunities for a question and answer segment at the end of the lecture)Summary: (Brief recap of each of the 3 topics and its relevance to gender bias in the workplace)Closing: Let me close by posing a question: Do you agree that gender bias in the workplace is something that is ingrained into our social DNA and will therefore be very difficult to remove? SourcesMoss, Simon Dr. (2008). Social role theory. Retrieved from http://www.psych- it.com.au/Psychlopedia/article.asp?id=77N.A. (n.d.).

Early childhood gender socialization. Retrieved from http://www.public.iastate.edu/~f2004.soc.327/childhood%28sep27%29.pdfSammons, Aidan. (n.d.) Gender: biological theory. Retrieved from http://www.psychlotron.org.uk/newResources/developmental/ AS_AQB_gender_BioBasics.pdf