MODULE UNIT III: GENDER ROLES AND SOCIALIZATION

7 Gender Role in the Society

Intended Learning Outcome

At the end of the session, students should be able to:

1. Identify the different terminologies associated with gender role
2. Distinguish and clarify the similarities and differences of gender and sexes
3. Evaluate existing gender program implementation
4. Support the program for gender equality

Introduction

In many contemporary societies, women and men undertake typical tasks and
responsibilities. When people are faced with the issues of allocation, they generally
divide them into two important categories, the female work or the male work. These
tasks are allocated according to traditions and accepted norms in a particular culture
and in effect determined the masculine and feminine roles (Dionisio, 1994)

Lesson Proper

On the bases of the sexual division of labor, there are five basic categories of
human activities, namely:
1. Reproductive Role. This includes childbearing/rearing responsibilities and
domestic tasks done by women. This is divided into three, namely:
a. Human or biological reproduction. It includes not only bearing children but
also reproducing the relationship of marriage, kinship, fertility, and sexuality.
b. Reproduction of labor. It means the care and socialization of children and the
maintenance of adult individuals who will fit into the social structure of society.
c. Social reproduction. These activities include caring of children, adults, and old
through activities of feeding the children, cooking food for adult and old,
washing, cleaning, nursing, and many other household activities.

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2. Productive Role. This refers to social production or production of commodities in

which goods and services are for exchange rather than for immediate
consumption. Both women and men are engaged in these activities. These
activities carry a reward in the form of wages in cash or kind in return to their
labor or the product they produce. However, men generally dominate in these
activities due to having more time and better skills to get higher wages while
women are concentrated in labor-intensive, low paid jobs.
3. Community Politics Roles. This activity is undertaken by men at the community
level, organizing at the formal political often within the framework of national
politics. This is usually paid work, either directly or indirectly, through status or
power.
4. Multiple Roles. Both men and women play multiple roles. The significant
difference, however, is that men are typically playing their roles sequentially,
focusing on a single productive role. However, women usually play their
simultaneously, balancing the demand of each within their limited rime
constraints.

Example of gender roles:

Feminine Role Masculine Role

Cooking Fishing
Childcare Hunting
House care Repair work in the home, e.g., repairing broken
furniture

For additional information you may click the link below

https://www.slideshare.net/edmond84/gender-roles-sa-pilipinas

SEX ROLES
Sex roles refer to the rules and standard of behavior and practices often related
to a person’s reproductive capacity. It is a function or role that a male or a female
assumes for the simple fact that it is the basic physiological difference between sexes. It

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is a biologically determined role and can only be performed by that specific sex. For
example, child-bearing is a woman’s sex role while ovum fertilization is a man’s sex role
(Bondreau, 1986; Encyclopedia.com, 2016)
The term “sex role” is often used interchangeably with “gender role” (just like sex
and gender are often used interchangeably) but it should be noted that sex and gender
are two different terms. As such, gender roles are culturally produced behaviors while
sex roles imply that these are biologically determined.
`Notions of sex roles rely heavily on biological factors, especially so on a
person’s reproductive capacity and these ideas are expressed differently between
cultures and historical periods. However, this binary view of the sexes is particularly
emphasized in patriarchal societies where men are considered bigger and stronger,
thus they are regarded as tough and dependable in every aspect of being a person. As
such, leadership roles like “head of the family” are always attributed to the men. A
female, on the other had is stereotyped of men, and delegated as a “housewife”.
(Encyclopedia, 2016)
Examples of sex roles:
Feminine Role Masculine Role
Child-bearing Ovum fertilization
Lactation Produces spermatozoa which determine child’s sex
Gestation

Difference Between Sex Roles and Gender Roles

Gender Roles Sex Roles
May differ from society to society. Same in all societies: they are universal, e.g., it
is only women who give birth to children all over
the world.
Can change history. Never change with history.
Can be performed by both sexes. Can be performed by only one of the sexes.
They are socially, culturally They are biologically determined.
determined.

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Gender Equality and Equity

In 1995, a world conference was held in Beijing, China that discussed strategies
aimed at reducing inequalities between men and women. The conference was a call to
all governments as well as all kinds of organizations to promote and put active decision-
making policies so that, quoting the UNESCO summary report:
“…before decisions are taken, an analysis is made of the effects on women and
men, respectively… as manifested in their “male” and “female” roles, at the center of all
programming, action, and evaluation… as there can be no sustainable development as
long as discrimination of one of the two sexes/gender exists. The injustice created by
inequalities based on gender/sex discrimination threatens in the long run not only the
discriminated gender but the entire society (pavlic & Sam Vargas, 2000 p.5).
What is the difference between gender equality and gender equity? To quote The
ABC of Women Worker’s Rights and Gender Equality (2000) and as included in the
UNESCO review:”
Gender Equality refers to the equality between men and women which entails the
concepts for all human beings. Both men and women are free to develop their personal
abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles
and prejudices. Gender equality means that the different behavior, aspirations and need
of women and men are considered, valued and favoured equally. It does not mean that
women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities, and
opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.
Gender equity’ means fairness of treatment for women and men, according to
their respective needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different
but which is considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations, and
opportunities.
The global commitment to gender equality and equity id founded on the principle
that sustainable development can only be ensured if the two sexes (male and female)
are seen as “complimentary biological entities” (Pavlic & Sam-Vargas,2000) and that
the equality and equity of the social roles that male and female assume in life are fully

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respected. The executive summary on the Role of Women in Development (1999)

stated:
In order to ensure sustainable development, it has become imperative to
recognize the importance of the two sexes (male and female) as complimentary
biological entities and moreover, to respect full equity and equality of each of two
genders, i.e., of the social roles that men and women assume in their lives. These roles,
it must be emphasized, are socio-political and cultural constructs, which have involved
through history, and vary from one society to another. The fact that the roles attributed
to men and women are not static and eternally valid but, on the contrary, that these role
change, have changed and are prone to further changes, is essential in explaining why
the term gender is now in the fore front on the debate, and why it is not interchangeable
with the term sex but is, in fact, complimentary to it. While the sex of a being is a given,
the gender roles in each society are, in the ultimate analysis, a consequence of political
choice. How men and women are perceived and treated in a society, is one of the
cornerstones of any political system and of it most revealing facets.

Gender Mainstreaming
Gender mainstreaming has been embraced internationally as a strategy towards
realizing gender equality. It involves the integration of a gender perspective into the
preparation, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, regulatory
measures and spending programs, with a view to promoting equality between women
and men, and combating discrimination.
Gender mainstreaming as a concept was first proposed in 1985 at the third world
conference on women but was only formally features a decade later. The UN Economic
and Social Council report for 1997 provided the formal definition of gender
mainstreaming to wit:
Mainstreaming a gender perspective is the process of assessing the implications
for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programs, in
all areas and at all levels. It is a strategy for making women’s as well as men’s concerns
and experiences an integral dimension of the design implementation, monitoring and

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evaluation of policies and programs in all political, economic and societal sphere so that
women and men benefit equally and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is
to achieve gender equality.
The goals of the gender mainstreaming concepts are:
1. To forge and strengthen political will to ensure gender equality at the local,
regional, national, and global level.
2. Incorporate a gender perspective into the planning processes, appraisal,
implementation, monitoring, evaluation of policies, programs, and projects in all
levels of government, all non-government sectors be it a non-profit or for
organization.
3. Use targeted and specific data to measure policy impact because policies do not
affect men and women the same way.
4. Provide the decision-makers necessary tools and training regarding gender
awareness, gender analysis, and gender planning.
5. Ensure the cooperation between the government and the private sector, civil
society, and other stakeholders to make the best use of gender mainstreaming
resources.

Principles of Gender Mainstreaming

The three key principles of gender mainstreaming as outlined in the gender
management system handbook (1999) are empowerment, accountability, and
integration of effort.
Empowerment means having control over issue and decisions that affect your
life; to be given a voice in decision-making bodies and control over the distribution of
resources a deliberate corrective action must be taken in areas where people are
underrepresented,
Accountability could either be a positive means of motivation such as a reward
system for specific goals achieved or a less positive motivation such as boundary
systems that define acceptable/unacceptable behavior with corresponding sanctions for
those who cross the boundaries.

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Integration of effort is a high degree of coordination to ensure that gender

mainstreaming is a holistic approach to transforming structures that create or
perpetuate gender inequality, rather than just making a “band-aid” solution. It is
important to reflect the diversity in society because “men” and “women” are not just
biological categories, but also includes elements like race/ethnicity, age, and social
class; from these variables are also addressed (Commonwealth Secretariat, 1999;
Pavliv & Sam-Vargas, 2000).

For additional information you may click the link below:

https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/what-is-gender-mainstreaming

The five areas of gender mainstreaming activities and implementation measures:

1. Gender sensitive language – the words used in addressing both men and women
must make both visible. Gender sensitive language applies to all kinds of written
material as well as in verbal communication.
2. Gender specific data collection and analysis – collecting, analysis, and
presentation of data should be gender specific and takes social dimensions such
as age, ethnicity, income, and education among others in consideration
whenever possible.
3. Equal access and equal use of services – the different effects of products and
services to men and women must be equally assessed.
4. Decisions must equally involve all people – measures and strategies must be
geared towards balance and equal representation of gender.
5. Equal treatment is integrated into management – paying attention to the different
needs of men and women in workforce.

A person’s roles in gender mainstreaming are to:

1. Be sensitive to the needs of the person without prejudice to gender.
2. Value the capabilities of the individual, irrespective of gender.
3. Make sure that equal opportunity policy is in place at home, at work, and in the
community.

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4. Participate in activities that promote gender equality.

At European level, the EU Institutions are in charge of implementing gender
mainstreaming, whereas at national level, it is up to the governments of Member States.
However, it is not only the responsibility of specific individuals working in certain areas
or units. While specific structures should be established and persons responsible
appointed, the responsibility for implementing gender mainstreaming should be with the
entire staff of public institutions, under the leadership of the management.

Why is gender mainstreaming important?

1. Involving all genders makes full use of human resources.
2. Accepting that human beings are diverse and attending to their needs equally
would lead to a just and humane society.
3. Involving all genders in –decision-making would allow new ideas and concepts to
emerge that would better serve the community.
4. Gender mainstreaming would lead to efficiency as all kinds of potential are
tapped and utilized.

Assessment/ Activity

Make a reaction paper about the Gender Program Implementation of the

organization or the community you are into. You may click the link for your evaluation
reference:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Gender-mainstreaming-in-all-steps-of-a-planning-
cycle_fig3_269909056
file:///C:/Users/user/Desktop/Dimensions%20of%20Gender%20Mainstreaming.html

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Rubrics on how your output will be graded:

5 points 3 points 1 point

Explanation of Issues Issue/problem to be considered
critically is stated clearly and
described comprehensively,
delivering all relevant information
necessary for full understanding
Issues/ problem to be considered critically
are stated but description leaves some
terms undefined, ambiguities unexplored,
boundaries undetermined, and/or
backgrounds unknown.
Issue/problem to be considered
critically is stated without
clarification or description

Student's position Specific position (perspective, is
(perspective) imaginative, taking into account
the complexities of an issue.
Influence of context Thoroughly (systematically and
and assumptions methodically) analyzes own and
others' assumptions and carefully
evaluates the relevance of
contexts when presenting a
position
Conclusions and Conclusions and related
related outcomes outcomes are logical and reflect
(consequences and student’s informed evaluation and
implications) ability to place evidence and
perspectives discussed in priority
order
Specific position (perspective)
acknowledges different sides of an issue.
Questions some assumptions. Identifies
several relevant contexts when
presenting a position. May be more aware
of others' assumptions than one's own (or
vice versa)
Conclusion is logically tied to information
(because information is chosen to fit the
desired conclusion); some related
outcomes are identified clearly
Specific position (perspective) is
stated, but is simplistic and
obvious.
Shows an emerging awareness of
present assumptions Begins to
identify some contexts when
presenting a position.
Conclusion is inconsistently tied to
some of the information
discussed; related outcomes are
oversimplified.

Gender Violence
The term "gender violence" reflects the idea that violence often serves to
maintain structural gender inequalities, and includes all types of violence against men,
women, children, adolescents, gay, transgender people and gender non-conforming.
Gender violence (also known as gender-based violence or gendered violence) is
a term used to refer to harm done unto a person or a group of people due to their
gender (Bloom, 2008). According to the European Commission, an institution of the
European Union responsible for legislative proposals, implanting decisions, upholding
EU treaties, and managing the EU’s day to day activities, gender violence is “violence
directed against a person because of that person’s gender (including gender
identity/expression) or as violence that affects persons of a particular gender
disproportionately.”
Harmful actions inflicted on people based on their gender are connected to the
traditional understanding of gender and gender roles. The term “gender violence” is
often used to mean violence against women and girls, but violence does happen to all
people – men, women, children, and individuals whose self- expression do not conform
to their sex (transgender). However, majority of the victims are women, girls and
transgender people; and majority of the abusers are men. Gender-based violence can

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happen at home, on the street, online, or in the workplace and it is rooted in power
inequalities between men and women.

Forms of gender violence

1. Physical Violence – any act or use of force to cause physical harm. Physical
violence include among others battering, assault, female genital mutilation,
“honor” crimes, and or/ manslaughter.

2. Sexual violence – any sexual act performed without consent. This could be
rape, sexual assault, sexual trafficking, and or/ sexual exploitation.

3. Psychological violence – any act that cause harm to the mind and emotions of
a person or a groups of people. Psychological violence could be verbal assault,
insults, harassments, defamation, coercion, and or/ illegal detention.

4. Economic violence – any act that causes harm to an individual’s productivity.

For example, property damage, restricting access to financial resources,
depriving education, prevents the person from getting hired, and/or not complying
with economic responsibilities (i.e., child support).

5. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence – use of technology to cause

harm to an individual because of their gender. This type of violence could be
anything related to the internet, especially social media.
For Additional information please click the link below:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-based-
violence/what-gender-based-violence_en

https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/what-is-gender-based-violence

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CLICK EACH TOPIC BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT

Sites of gender based violence

The family prepares its members for social life. The family forms our stereotypes,
biases, perceptions, and concepts about gender; it is also one of the primary sites of
gender based violence where any of the various forms occurs. Since family matters are
considered private and the abuse happens at home, information on gender violence
within the family is minimal, and the victim rarely gets much needed help.
As a group that share common views, the community/society reinforces existing
family structures. Thus, power inequality that exists in the family gets amplified in the
society. Behavior of male abusers gets justified by a consenting society since the
community share the view that women bust be controlled. The workplace is also a site
for gender violence. Women are vulnerable to sexual violence and economic violence.
It is states obligation to develop and implement measures that would stop gender
violence. However, the states become a site for gender violence when it fails to pass
and enact laws that protect its citizens from any and all forms of gender violence. The
state legitimizes abusers when it policies, laws, and enforcement are discriminatory.

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References

Book/ Offline Source:

Peralty, Eric Paul D., Botor, Nephtaly Joel B., et. al. (2019). Gender and Society: A human Ecological
Approach. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.

Tolibas, Fe S., Gallinero Winston B., et. al. (2020). Gender and Society. Malabon City: Mutya Publishing
House Inc.

Online Source:

https://eige.europa.eu/gender-mainstreaming/what-is-gender-mainstreaming
https://www.slideshare.net/edmond84/gender-roles-sa-pilipinas

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Gender-mainstreaming-in-all-steps-of-a-planning-
cycle_fig3_269909056

https://www.api-gbv.org/about-gbv/types-of-gbv/

https://ec.europa.eu/info/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/gender-equality/gender-based-
violence/what-gender-based-violence_en

https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/what-is-gender-based-violence

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