Answer to Question #300621 in Sociology for Olsen Holmes

Question

Why do sociologists find it important to differentiate between sex and gender? What can be done to lessen the effects of gender stratification in the workplace? How does gender stratification harm both men and women?

Answer 1

a) Sociologists nowadays differentiate between sex and gender because there is a very significant difference between the two terms. Sex only refers to someone’s biological or genetic sex; it is merely based on biological factors. A person with female DNA is of female sex and a person with male DNA is a male sex. A person’s sex, as determined by his or her biology, does not always correspond with his or her gender. Therefore, the terms sex and gender are not interchangeable. A baby boy who is born with male genitalia will be identified as male. As he grows, however, he may identify with the feminine aspects of his culture. Since the term sex refers to biological or physical distinctions, characteristics of sex will not vary significantly between different human societies. Generally, persons of the female sex, regardless of culture, will eventually menstruate and develop breasts that can lactate.

b) To lessen  the effects of gender stratification in the workplace the following should be done; Providing training on unconscious bias, Have a clear policy on discrimination, Providing flexible working and de-stigmatize shared parental leave, Ensuring you’re actively encouraging women to progress, and Supporting women into more senior roles.

c) Gender stratification can be harmful to both men and women it can cause the stereotyping of each gender which can sometimes lead to discrimination. Although the words sex and gender are often used interchangeably, they have two different meanings from a sociological perspective. Traditional gender stereotypes that keep men in the role of breadwinner and systematic discrimination preventing women from equally contributing to their households and participating in the workforce can put additional stress on men, increasing their risk of health issues, according to the study.