Deck 13: B: Gender Stratification

Question 1

Why is "earning an income" no longer a man's role in Canada?

Answer 1

The concept of "earning an income" being solely a man's role is an outdated notion that has been challenged and changed over time due to various social, economic, and cultural shifts. In Canada, as in many other parts of the world, this change has been driven by several factors:

1. Gender Equality Movements: Feminist movements and gender equality advocates have worked tirelessly to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. They have fought for women's rights, including the right to work, equal pay, and equal opportunities in the workforce.

2. Legal Frameworks: Canadian laws and policies, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Employment Equity Act, prohibit discrimination based on gender and promote equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their sex.

3. Economic Necessity: The economic landscape has changed, with the cost of living rising and many families finding that a single income is no longer sufficient to meet their needs. This has necessitated dual-income households, where both partners contribute financially.

4. Education and Workforce Participation: Women in Canada have made significant strides in education, often outperforming men in academic achievements. With higher levels of education, women have entered the workforce in increasing numbers and have pursued careers across all sectors.

5. Changing Family Dynamics: There has been a shift in family structures and dynamics, with a growing acceptance of various family arrangements, including those where women are the primary breadwinners, men take on more caregiving roles, or both partners share responsibilities equally.

6. Cultural Shifts: Canadian society has become more progressive, embracing diversity and inclusivity. This cultural shift has facilitated a broader acceptance of women in the workplace and a move away from rigid gender roles.

7. Supportive Policies: Canada has implemented policies that support work-life balance, such as parental leave, which can be shared between parents. This encourages both men and women to take an active role in both earning an income and caring for their families.

In summary, "earning an income" is no longer considered just a man's role in Canada due to the advancement of gender equality, changes in the economy, legal protections against discrimination, increased female educational attainment, evolving family dynamics, cultural progressiveness, and supportive government policies. These factors have collectively contributed to a society where both men and women are expected and encouraged to contribute to the economy and their households.

Question 2

What is the importance of the term "glass ceiling"?

Answer 2

The term "glass ceiling" refers to an invisible barrier that prevents certain individuals, particularly women and minorities, from advancing beyond a certain level in a hierarchy or organization, despite being qualified and capable. This metaphorical ceiling is not an official or overt limitation but rather a subtle set of unspoken biases and institutional constraints that hinder career progression.

The importance of the term "glass ceiling" lies in its role in highlighting systemic inequalities within the workplace and society at large. It brings attention to the following key issues:

1. Gender and Racial Inequality: The glass ceiling is most commonly associated with the challenges faced by women in the workforce, but it also applies to racial and ethnic minorities who may face similar obstacles. By acknowledging the existence of the glass ceiling, discussions about gender and racial disparities in employment opportunities, wages, and leadership positions are brought to the forefront.

2. Awareness and Recognition: The term has raised awareness about the subtle and often unconscious biases that contribute to the underrepresentation of women and minorities in top positions. Recognizing the problem is the first step toward addressing it.

3. Organizational Change: Understanding the concept of the glass ceiling can lead to organizational change. Companies may implement diversity and inclusion programs, mentorship opportunities, and transparent promotion processes to help break the glass ceiling and create a more equitable work environment.

4. Policy and Legislation: The term has influenced policymakers to create laws and regulations aimed at reducing workplace discrimination and promoting equality. For example, equal pay legislation and affirmative action policies have been enacted in various countries to combat the effects of the glass ceiling.

5. Empowerment: By naming the phenomenon, the term "glass ceiling" empowers individuals to challenge the status quo and advocate for their own career advancement. It also encourages solidarity among those who face similar barriers, fostering a collective effort to push for change.

6. Economic Impact: Addressing the glass ceiling can have positive economic implications. Organizations that promote diversity and inclusion are often more innovative and perform better financially. Moreover, enabling all individuals to reach their full potential contributes to a more productive and competitive workforce.

In summary, the term "glass ceiling" is important because it encapsulates a complex set of issues related to workplace inequality. It serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to recognize and address the systemic barriers that prevent talented and deserving individuals from reaching higher levels of success and leadership.

Question 3

What is the major insight of intersection theory?

Answer 3

Intersection theory is a branch of algebraic geometry that deals with the enumeration and characterization of how different geometric objects, such as varieties, subvarieties, or cycles, intersect with one another within a given space. The major insight of intersection theory is that intersections of geometric objects can be understood and quantified in a systematic and algebraic way, often leading to deep connections with other areas of mathematics.

One of the key insights of intersection theory is that intersections can be treated algebraically, even when the geometric objects involved might have complicated shapes or dimensions. This is achieved by assigning algebraic invariants, such as intersection numbers, to the points, curves, surfaces, etc., where the objects meet. These invariants can often be calculated using techniques from algebraic geometry, such as cohomology or the theory of characteristic classes.

Another important aspect of intersection theory is that it provides a framework for understanding how the topology or geometry of a space is affected by the configuration of subspaces within it. For example, the intersection number can give information about the number of points at which two curves intersect within a surface, or more generally, it can provide information about the degree of overlap between higher-dimensional objects.

Intersection theory also has profound implications in enumerative geometry, where it is used to count the number of solutions to geometric problems. For instance, it can be used to determine the number of lines that can be tangent to four given spheres in space, or the number of curves of a certain degree passing through a given set of points.

The major insight of intersection theory is that it provides a powerful and unifying language for describing and solving problems involving the intersection of geometric objects. It bridges the gap between geometry and algebra, and it has applications in various fields, including number theory, topology, and mathematical physics. Through the use of intersection theory, mathematicians can translate complex geometric questions into algebraic problems that can be more easily analyzed and solved.

Question 4

What 6 explanations are put forth in your text for women earning 71% of male income?

Question 5

Based on her research in New Guinea,what did Margaret Mead conclude about gender?

Question 6

Visible minority women confront a "double disadvantage".Explain.

Question 7

Discuss why the pressure to restrict pornography has increased in recent decades.

Question 8

Briefly describe the extent of male-female differences in mental and physical abilities.

Question 9

Define briefly the terms "patriarchy" and "sexism" and discuss some of the costs of sexism to both women and men in Canadian society.