DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO, NIGERIA
Course code: STE 4219
Course Tittle: Women education
Paper Tittle: Group (16), Paper presentation
TOPIC:
THEORIES AND MYTHS AND GENDER POWER DISTINCTION
PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY:

REG. NO. NAME SIGN.

EDU/18/TEC/00189 MUSTAPHA SANI
EDU/18/TEC/00189 SIRAJO SANI
EDU/18/TEC/00190 YUSHA’U SANI
EDU/18/TEC/00191 BASHIR SHEHU
EDU/18/TEC/00192 IBRAHIM MUHAMMED TELA
EDU/18/TEC/00193 CHARLES YANGGAWA
EDU/18/TEC/00194 MATHEW YOHANNA
EDU/18/TEC/00195 FATIMA FARUK ADAM
EDU/18/TEC/00196 SAMBO ABDULKADIR JALAL
EDU/18/TEC/00202 ISAH ABDULSALAM

FEBRUARY, 2023

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ABSTRACT
Early studies on gender difference and power distinction focused on differences between
males’ and females’ power practicing styles. For nearly all of this issues of stylistic and
power distinction, there are many some contradictory findings, and it seems that one must
look closely at the nature of the circumstance in order to predict how men and women will
behave when on power and who remained the all time gender champion and exercise power
the most.
This paper discusses the theories of gender and power, common myths about gender
distinction. Feminist theory is directly in support of gender and social equality and is
against sexism and patriachy. First feminism signs have been seen in 1840’s America, for
protesting against the suffering of women and African-root-American people. Karl Marx
and his colleague hold the view that relationship that exist between exploiter and exploited
also exist in household in family. Conflict theory handles that in modern societies because
women are not paid for their house works, their works began to be seen as unnecessary and
men show themselves as bread winners (Lindsey, 2011). Some other myths handles that
STEM is a man’s discipline. Some other famous mythologist hold the view that “women
make personal choices that explains why there aren’t many leadership”. Symbolic
interaction theory in gender holds that females behave more coherent behavior in typical
way. Other sides male behavior have tendency to make interaction start (Macionis, 2010).
KEY WORDS: Theories, myths, gender and gender power distinction.

INTRODUCTION
We are surrounded by gender lore from that time we were very small. It is ever-present in
conversation, humor and conflict, and it is called upon to explain everything from driving
styles to food preferences. Gender is embedded so thoroughly in our institutions, our
actions, our beliefs and our desires, that it appears to us to be completely natural. The world
swarms with ideas about gender-and these ideas are so commonplace that we take it for
granted that they are true, accepting common adage as scientific fact. As researchers, though
it is our job to look beyond what appears to be common 3sense to find not simply what truth
may be behind gender and power distinction, but how it came to be common sense. It is
precisely because gender seems natural and beliefs about gender seem to be obvious truths,
that we need to step back and examine gender from a new perspective. Doing this we need
to suspend what we are used to what we feels comfortable, we also need to question some
fundamental beliefs. This is not easy for gender and power distinction is so central to our
understanding of ourselves and of the world that it is difficult to pull back and examine if
from new perspectives. But it is precisely the fact that gender seems self-evident that makes

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the study of gender interesting. It brings the challenge to uncover the process of
construction that creates what we have so long thought as natural and inexorable- to study
gender and power distinction not as given, but as an accomplishment; not simply as cause,
but as effect; not just as individual, but as social. The results to failure to recognize this
challenge as manifest not only in the popular media, but in academic work on language and
gender as well.
In a nutshell, there are various presumptions, beliefs, theories and myths regarding gender,
gender inequality and power distinction which will be discuss in this paper. So doing the
definition of the key terms will be of utmost importance.
THEORIES
These are those statements of facts that can only be acceptable if there is an experimental
evidence to support them. Although those statements are folktales -like statements which
are not practically and experimentally proven. However, various theories cofounded by
various theorist can be use to explain certain phenomenon and cultic and ethical beliefs.
MYTHS
Myths are symbolic narration, usually of unknown origin and at least partially traditional,
ostensibly relates actual events and that is especially associated with religious beliefs.
Myths has existed in every society, indeed it would seem to be a basic constituent of human
culture.
GENDER
Gender in general sense is understood as psychological, social and cultural differences
between males and females, it is mostly about masculinity and femininity, not directly about
biological sex (Giddens, 2009). It is also our lifestyle, social and cultural themes.

LITERATURE REVIEW
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
GENDER POWER
Gender power imply a conventional approach of males having a superior advantage over
females in workplace environment due to more senior positions held by males.
GENDER DISTINCTION
Gender distinction is the discrimination on the basis of sex or gender causing one sex or
gender to be routinely privileged or prioritized over another (Macionis, 2010). This is
simply
It is obvious that this paper is aimed at identifying those models/theories and myths about
gender inequality and power distinction in our Society. Some paper works such as gender

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and Leadership in Spain: A systematic review of Some key aspects by (Rolf et al, 2014). As
Spain experienced rapid societal and gender equality changes after the end of the
dictatorship in 1975. Thereby the paper focused on three essential aspects; the underlying
mechanism of gender inequality (e.g traditional gender roles), the gender and Leadership
behavior and the relation of female representation in top management and on boards with
Organizational performance. The roots of gender inequality in developing countries,
(Seema, 2015). Is the high degree of gender inequality in developing countries -in
Education, personal autonomy and more explained by underdevelopment itself?, or do the
Society that are poor today hold certain cultural views that lead to gender inequality?
There is critical gender gap in the STEM areas at all levels of Education and the Labor
market (Alicia, 2020). In annual review of sociology, 1996. Gender inequality and higher
Education. The paper distinguishes (I) access to higher education (ii)college experience
(iii)post collegiate outcomes. Explanation of gender inequality in higher education should
distinguish between these different aspects of education and should explain those contents
in which Women have attained parity as well as those in which they continue to lag behind
men.
gender is not accurately captured by the traditional male and female dichotomy of sex.
Instead, it is a complex social system that structure the life experience of all human beings
(parsons, 1956). The paper raise the parallel questions of whether discrimination based on
gender likewise becomes embedded with negative consequences for health and wealth.

THEORIES IN GENDER AND POWER DISTINCTION

There are quiet number of sociologist and psychologist who profound various theories on
gender and power distinction. However, for the sake of this paper the following are the
Pervasive theories to be discuss:
1. conflict theory
2.Feminist theory
3.Dominance theory,
Others include, functionalist, structuralist, interactivel approach in gender

CONFLICT THEORY IN GENDER

Conflict theory can be held as a struggle between dominant group exploiter which has the
tool of production and worker class exploited by dominant one. Karl Marx is the father of
conflict theory and his colleague Friederich Engel moved this idea and applied to the family
structure, household. According to his view, relationship that exist between the exploiter
and exploited also exist in household in family. He differentiate Modern and Pre-modern
societies in a way that men and women play their roles. In pre-modern societies, there was

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no big difference between these two gender and because there is no something for
exploiting. Contrary in modern societies, there is private property right and this right is
transmitting by patriarchy. So, he says that there was no inequality in hunter and gatherer
societies, distinction is characteristic of capitalist system. In modern societies, because
women are not paid for their house works, their works began to be seen as unnecessary, and
men show themselves as bread winner (Lindsey, 2011).
According to Engel, capitalism makes male dominance more powerful, and he explained
this claim in three states:
Firstly, capitalism provides power for men, by giving them chance in order to have high
income and private property.
Secondly, women became the consumer part of the society, because they do not produce,
but get money from their husbands and spend to satisfy their needs and for enjoyment.
Thirdly, capitalism divides men and women in working way. It puts men to factory and
women to house. However, it does not pay for pay for women working in the, but pays for
man for his working in the factory, so it attach importance to male’s job by paying money
(Macionis, 2010).

Deduction from conflict theory in gender

It can be deduce that gender is one of the dimensions of social distinction and
conflict. Gender inequality provides a profit for men, but damage women. It
can also be deduce that marriage is a protection for both men and women. For
women, it is a protection for their sexuality, and for men, it is a protection for
their private property. Lastly, capitalism explains both men and women, by
paying low for men by keeping women at home (Macionis, 2010).
FEMINIST THEORY
Feminist theory is most commonly known and still alive gender theory in our society.
Feminism is directly in support of gender and social equality and is against sexism and
patriarchy. First Feminism signs have been seen in 1840’s America, for protesting against
the suffering of women and African-root-American people. At the end of this protest, they
won voting right in 1920, but there is still effectiveness in gender distinction in the society.
(Macionis, 2010).
Feminist are against many gender issues in the society; However, the following are the main
Subjects or the key issues of the struggles. (Macionis, 2010):
 Working for decreasing gender distinction in society
 Destroying the gender stratification
 Working to end sexual violence
 Encouraging the sexual freedom

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  Suggestion for reintegration of humanity; by making large area for choices of
people in the society.
Feminist theory was divided in to three groups, shortly
1. RADICAL FEMINISM: They depend family system to end
2. LIBERAL FEMINISM: They depend the equality of opportunity and fight against
gender power distinction
3. MARXIST /SOCIALIST FEMINISM: They depend gender roles and social classes to
end.
More explanation of Feminist theory was given by Simon De Beauvoir. She explains her
ideas in her book in four (4) parts.
Biological perspective: According to De Beauvoir, there are Biological differences between
two sexes, and female is less powerful and shorter than male. She is talking about animals
also for making certain anatomical differences between two sexes.
Capitalist perspective: She emphasized that women are inferior before capitalism, and by
saying this, she stays against Engel’s point. She questioned the Religion and claims that
Religion diminishes role of women in the society. Even though Engel says capitalism
creates distinction between men and women. She further reclaim that industrial revolution
gives women new roles which are close to men’s role. These were that they were working
together outside, they get place in unions, they became not equal but visible.
Scientific perspective: Women inferiority is produced not only in Religion and family, but
also science, science also legitimates inferiority of Women. She explains how a girl learns
to be subordinated.
Youth => Marriage => Mothering => Wider society
Liberal Perspective: This concerns with how woman liberate herself, and she suggests that
woman have to handle with not only capitalism but also science, society and economy as
well.

DOMINANCE THEORY OF GENDER AND POWER DISTINCTION

Dominance theory of gender differences has focused on the distribution of power in the
Society, and suggests that Women’s speech reflect their subordinate position. It allows for
the analysis of how asymmetrical power relations are achieved in daily interaction. Work
within this model includes Pamela Fishman‘s studies which claim that women do the
“shitwork” in conversation, that is they do the conversational support work that enables the
conversation to happen and continue (Fishman, 1980). According to this model, women can
in theory change their interactive patterns to subvert existing power relations. The strength
of this approach is that it offers an account of how power is. “done” in conversation, how
patriarchy can be achieved and maintain in the personal sphere between married couples.

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Limitation of the Dominance theory of gender power inequality
The first identified problem in the dominance model is that there is no place within it for
valuing the style of speech associated with women. The use of all the identified features is
seen as a signal of submission, or lack of assertion.
Secondly, the dominance approach tends to treat power as monolithic, limiting its
applicability status.
Deduction from the Dominance theory of gender power distinction
From the Perspective of the Dominance theory, it can be deduce that to achieve
parity with men, women must change their interactive pattern, and abandon the
“shitwork”.

MYTHS’ GENERAL PERSPECTIVE

As discussed in the earlier stage of this paper, the study of myths is thus of central
importance in the study of both. Individual societies and human cultures as a whole. But it is
clear that in their general Characteristics and in details a people’s myths reflect, express
and explore the people’s self -images. The most obvious function of myths is the
explanation of facts, whether natural or cultural. Many myths explain ritual and cultic
customs. According to myths from island of ceram (in Indonesia), in the beginning life was
not Complete, or not yet “human”, vegetation and animals did not exist, and there was
neither death nor sexuality.
There are actually many types of myths, the theoretical study of myths is very complex.
However, for the sake of this paper we will limit ourselves to discussing only three types of
myths that are applicable in the domain of gender and power distinction.
1.AETIOLOGICAL MYTHS
This explains the reason why something is the way it is today. The word Aetiological is
from the greek word “aetion”, meaning “reason” or “explanation”. It should be worth
noting that the reasons given in Aetiological myth is not real (or Scientific) reason. They
nothing but explanations that have meanings for us as human beings. There are three sub-
types of Aetiological myths:
1.Natural Aetiological myths: This explains an aspect of nature. For example we can explain
‘thunder and lightening’ by saying zeaus is angry.
2.Etymological Aetiological myths: This explains the origin of word.
3.Religious Aetiological myths: This explains the origin of Religious ritual.
2.HISTORICAL MYTHS

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These are told about the historical event, and they help keep the memory of that event alive.
Ironically, in historical myths, the accuracy is lost but the meaning is gained.

2.PSYCHOLOGICAL MYTHS
Psychological myths tried to explains why we feel and act the way we do. In Psychological
myths, the emotion itself is seen as a Devine force coming from the outside, that can
directly influence a person’s emotion

SOME IDENTIFIED GENDER AND POWER DISTINCTION MYTHS

Women make up half the population and earn more advanced degrees than men 100
countries. So, why are they a distinct minority in the uppermost echelons?.
There have been many attempts to answer this question. Here is another one; it is the way
the world sees women. Society operates with set of assumptions about women that hold
them back we have been working to expose these assumptions which we call myths, with
women empowerment platform.
We have all heard the clichés that feed the myths. women don’t raise their hands, women
don’t speak up, women don’t go for big jobs, women aren’t assertive enough, women
don’t have what it takes to lead. The workplace is fine, the thinking goes but its women
who need fixing. The pop up question here is that, are these clichés true?
At times, even the most well-intentioned among us buy into these myths and perpetuate the
biases we are working to eliminate. By focusing on women’s supposed shortcomings, the
myths tell women they must change in order to succeed.
SOME MOST PERVASIVE MESSAGES
 Women need fixing
Women avoid conflict, say the myth. They don’t take the risks, they lack confidence,
they are too emotional
Fact
This myth falls apart when we change Perspective and realize that it’s the system not
the Women that need fixing. Women have necessary Leadership skills, but the way they
lead may look different to how men lead. Therefore, we need embrace these differences
in behavior not judge them.
 There are no enough qualified Women to fill CEO jobs
In modern capitalist economy, there are no enough qualified women to occupy the
position of CEOs, says the myth.

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 Fact
Its hard to believe companies can’t find enough Women for their top jobs when women
make up 46% of the total workforce. It is not about the pipeline, we simply need to
develop our female and male employees equally, grooming both for advancement.
 STEM is a man’s discipline
Technology is the future. But women lack the skills and aggression to succeed in the
field, says the myths
Fact
It is gender bias, rather than ability that turns women off STEM. One don’t have to go
far to find to find women who are a living rebuke to the women-can’t-tech myth. There
are women out there who are good at the field and make s successful scientist,
Technologist, Engineers and Mathematicians. Typical example is the SHERI
HICKOK, Executive chief Engineer at General motors.

 Household chores are women’s work

No matter their age or income, women still have Primary responsibility for House work
and child care. That cuts in to the time they could be spending on their careers.
Fact
The reality is of course that, cooking and cleaning are gender neutral activities. And
when both parents are engaged in rearing their children, they do better in School.
 Sexual harassment is women’s issue
Inappropriate, discomforting behavior can derail careers and drive women away from
jobs they love. The widespread outcry against predatory men is a necessary corrective.
We need to listen to brave women who speak out, and recognize the men who stand with
them.
Other most trending myths on gender and power distinction are:
Myth 1: (MOTHERHOOD)
“Women make personal choices, that explains why there aren’t many in Leadership”
For most of the senior males this is number one reason why the gender ratios in the
Organizations aren’t balanced. Women have babies and then choose to care for them, while
men presumably don’t do either. Most Women refused promotions or senior roles for family
reasons. The more they believe this, the more they reinforce stereotype that make parenting
and flexibility a Women’s issue.
Fact

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Like most myths, this one is partially true. Because women more than men-until now-
prioritize family duties over career progression.
Myth 2: (MASCULINITY)
“I need someone who‘s hungry and ready to put in the hours and sacrifices I have. That’s
Leadership”
Most men and women think leaders have masculine traits because that’s what works. Men in
power create alignment among themselves in their attitudes towards women. So, when men
step up as active Feminist and proactive pushers of gender balance, they’re publically
breaking the “bro code” and siding with women.
Fact
Balanced leaders know that best Leadership is a balance of masculine and feminine
energies and people. They discourage “alpha male” and “bro code” behaviors in both men
and women and seek to create corporate cultures that are gender bilingual rather than
normed to whichever group runs the place (usually men).

Myth 3: (MENTORING)
“Men are real champions of gender balance and spend a lot of time mentoring mostly the
female team”
Most men were convinced they were the most progressive entities around. They have
understood that supporting women can be good for their own brands and reputations. But
they don’t actually promote women. They (usually senior) men enjoy being the managing
team of women, or they reinforce the monitoring mantra.
Fact
Balanced leaders have balanced teams that aren’t dominated by either gender, and push
their high-potential talent to grow and develop. They enhance the visibility of their team
members not of themselves.
Myth 4: (POLITICS)
“Politics is a dirty game, Women are clean”
Although, the Nigerian constitution guaranteed the rights of women to participate in active
Politics. However, the number of women who participate in active Politics in the Northwest
is perpetually out of sort. This is because the Religious and cultural Perspectives of Hausa
and Fulani tribes disdain and negate the political displays in Nigeria.
Fact

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Women’s aspiration to participate in governance is premised on the following grounds; that
women in Nigeria represents half of the population, and hence should be allowed a fair
share in decision making and the governance of the country. Secondly, that human beings
are equal and women possess the same rights. Unfortunately, capitalism in Nigeria denied
women’s rights to democratic governance enshrine in section 42(1) of 1999 Nigerian
constitution,
”A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex,
religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person be
subject to any form of discrimination”
Obviously, in the Northwestern region, the political patriarchy is not solely based on
antagonism to the constitution, rather the cultural and ethical beliefs. Men also gang-up and
establish a “bro code” by forming an alliance against women.
Myth 5 : (RELIGIOUS AND CULTURE)
“In Islam men and women are different yet equal, but women are treasure”
Generally religion is used as an instrument in defense of class of Society and patriarchy, it
discriminates against women. As a result of the theocratic character of governance of the
Northern part of Nigeria before the advent of of the British colonialists Islam has been
institutionalized as a culture (the way of life) of the majority of the people of the region.
Islam like most religious beliefs gives hope of fantastic heaven (paradise) to the adherents.

Facts
Islam does not promote patriarchy neither gender discrimination. In essence, Islam as
conserve women and Prohibits patriarchy. Relating Islam with capitalism is an ignorance in
religion. Gender inequality was condemn in various Chapters of the glorious Qur’an;
“And among the God’s signs is that; he created for you mates amongst yourselves
(males for Females and vice-versa) that you may find tranquility and peace in them,
and he has put love and kindness among you. Herein surely are signs for those who
reflect”. (Qur’an;30:21)
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is christ, the head of a wife
is her husband, and the head of christ is God”. (1 corinthians, 11:3)
“They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment to them”. (Qur’an;
2:187)
“Therefor, a man shall leave his father, his mother and hold past to his wife, and
they.shall become one flesh”. (Genesis, 2:24)

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 “O’ mankind we have created you men and women, and put you into tribes and
localities for cognizance. Verily the superior among you is the most powerful
spiritually”. (Qur’an;49:13).
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave free, there is no male and
female, for you are all one in christ Jesus”. (galatians, 3:28).
Islam differs capitalism because it doesn’t not encourage discrimination and has recognized
the efforts of women in the past for instance, the analysis of Mary in the glorious Qur’an,
condemning and prohibiting the murder of the girl child during barbaric period. Islam has
exempted women from hardships such as wars and battles, above all, Islam treasured women
and protected their dignity.

CONCLUSION
As obvious as it can be from different Perspectives, we can conclusively believe that live is
what you make it, so, do not let your gender define you or your work. If we are to create
gender-equal world, a better world for both men and women, we need to dispel these myths
and review our the total way of living. We must change the way we think and talk about
women, and at the same time balance between the wings of religion and culture and the way
women adhere to both. We should understand clearly the differences between capitalism and
religion in terms of gender distinctiin. Each of us has the power to make a difference to our
own Organization and to the world around us. In Fact, we have an obligation to do so.

REFERENCES
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BOWLBY, J., 1953. CHILD CARE AND THE GROWTH OF LOVE. HARMONDSWORTH; PENGUIN

GIDDENS, A., 2009. SOCIOLOGY. 6TH EDITION DU CAMBRIDGE; POLITY PRESS

LINDSEY, L., 2011. GENDER ROLES: A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE. 5TH EDITION DU. NEW YORK: PEARSON

MACIONIS, J. J., 2010. SOCIOLOGY. 13TH EDITION DU LONDON : PEARSON

PARSONS, T & BALES., 1956. FAMILY SOCIALIZATION AND INTERACTION PROCESS. ROUTLEDGE.

ROLF V.D ET AL, GENDER AND LEADERSHIP IN SPAIN; A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SOME KEY ASPECTS. 70, 522-537, 2014

SEEMA J, THE ROOTS OF GENDER INEQUALITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, 7(1), 63-88, 2015

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