Chapter 7 Flashcards
Gender and Work (25 cards)
Describe which factors predict whether women will be employed outside the home.
education and immigrant status;
parental status and ethnicity are not strongly related
Identify some specific barriers that immigrant women face in the workplace.
Foreign degrees/licenses often not recognized.
Face more discrimination and lower pay.
Often work below their skill level (e.g., service or care jobs).
Language barriers and acculturative stress.
Explain why TANF regulations are counterproductive for some women
The current TANF policy on financial assistance for economically disadvantaged
women has long-term consequences for U.S. women; for example, women may be
forced to leave a career-oriented college program to earn money in a low-level job.
Describe which factors make access discrimination more likely for women who are applying for jobs.
Women are especially likely to experience access discrimination when
(a) the employer has strong gender stereotypes,
(b) the applicant’s qualifications are ambiguous,
(c) the applicant is assertive,
(d) the position is prestigious,
(e) they apply for “gender-inappropriate” jobs.
Explain how employer stereotypes are related to access discrimination.
Gender stereotypes encourage access discrimination because employers may (a)
have negative stereotypes about women, (b) believe women lack “appropriate”
stereotypically masculine characteristics, and (c) pay attention to characteristics that
are irrelevant for the positions women are seeking.
Define affirmative action and explain how it is intended to reduce discrimination in the
workplace.
Affirmative action policy specifies that companies must make appropriate efforts to
consider qualified members of underrepresented groups in work-related decisions.
Define treatment discrimination and identify some factors that lead to the gender wage gap
Unfair treatment of women after they’re hired (e.g., lower pay, fewer promotions, poor evaluations). Women paid less for same work
“Women’s jobs” pay less
Men ask for more money
Women may not realize they’re underpaid
Differentiate between the glass ceiling, labyrinth, sticky floor, and glass escalator concepts.
Glass ceiling: Invisible barrier to top jobs
Labyrinth: Long, complex path to leadership
Sticky floor: Stuck in low-level jobs
Glass escalator: Men rise fast in women’s jobs
Identify how gender is related to promotions and sexual harassment at work.
Women get fewer promotions than men
Gender bias affects evaluations
Assertive women face backlash
Women experience more sexual harassment
Explain how heterosexism creates disparity in the workplace for lesbian women
May be fired or not hired
Feel pressure to hide identity
Face bias and exclusion
Often choose higher-paying, nontraditional jobs
- What are some challenges women face in traditionally female-dominated jobs?
Low pay
Lack of recognition
Limited decision-making power
Skills often underused
- How are women treated in domestic and garment factory work?
Often exploited and underpaid
Poor working conditions
Experience abuse or harassment
Limited legal protection or rights
What is the workplace climate like for women in high-prestige male-dominated jobs?
Less mentoring and support
Judged on appearance over ability
Face subtle sexism and exclusion
Confidence may be penalized
What are some experiences of women in blue-collar (manual labor) jobs?
Better pay than traditional “women’s” jobs
Face sexual harassment and bias
Held to higher standards than men
Some gain pride and build strong bonds with coworkers
What’s the difference between person-centered and situation-centered explanations for women’s underrepresentation in certain jobs?
Person-centered: Blames women’s traits or interests
Situation-centered: Focuses on discrimination and workplace barriers
What changes are needed to create gender-fair workplaces?
Equal pay for comparable work
Shared housework/childcare
Anti-discrimination policies
Nonsexist socialization and more feminist support
What causes gender disparities in household chores for married women?
Women are expected to manage and do more housework.
Men often don’t notice or take initiative.
Beliefs about gender roles affect division of labor.
How do unequal chores affect marriage satisfaction?
Women are happier when men help more.
Less help from husbands can lead to depression.
Workload sharing boosts marital stability.
Who does more child care in most families?
Mothers do most of it.
Fathers help more than in the past, but still less.
Moms handle tasks like discipline and daily care.
How does maternal employment affect kids?
Doesn’t harm development.
High-quality daycare helps low-income kids.
Employed moms model independence and success.
What is role strain?
Stress from juggling work, home, and family roles.
Common in women, especially in demanding or low-paying jobs.
How does employment affect women’s physical health?
Employed women are usually healthier.
Worst health seen in women with low pay and no support.
How does work affect women’s mental health?
Working boosts self-esteem, happiness, and life satisfaction.
Multiple roles can protect mental well-being- act as buffer
