Gender and Social Work Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

Gender and Social Work

Theoretical Perspectives on Gender � Gender is an integral component of every aspect of the economic, social, daily and private lives of individuals and societies, and of the different roles ascribed by society to men and women. � Sex refers to the permanent and immutable biological characteristics common to individuals in all societies and cultures, while gender defines traits forges through history of social relations. Gender differences are social constructs inculcated on the basis of a specific society’s particular perceptions of the physical differences and the assumed tastes, tendencies and capabilities of men and women.

Different Theoretical Perspectives � Functionalist perspective on Gender � Psychoanalytical Perspective on Gender � Conflict perspective on Gender � Feminist perspective on Gender

Functionalist Perspective � Functionalists view society in terms of a complex system consisting of many different parts that fit together to create a harmonious and integrated whole � Gender differentiation and division of labour along gender lines are seen as ‘functional’ for the society in the sense that it contributes to order and stability � Sociologists Talcott Parsons and Robert Bales agree to functionalist View � Parson argues , “Different and complementary gender roles are beneficial for the society. The roles assigned to the women are linked to home � Functionalist perspectives has been strongly crticised by conflict theorists and feminists

Psychoanalytical Perspective � It has its roots in the work of one of the fines thinkers world has ever seen, Sigmund Freud � According to this perspective gender is not a biologically determined phenomenon. � Childhood experiences are responsible for making male believe that he is masculine and female believe that she is feminine. These experiences lead to gender inequality � Freud through his psychosexual theory showed how childhood experiences shape the development of the gender

Conflict Perspective � Conflict theorists consider gender not only in terms of difference in behaviour and tasks but more importantly difference in terms of power. � They challenge the belief of functionalists that gender differentiation leads to order and stability. Conflict theorists argue that men seek to protect their privileges whereas women try to redress the unequal power sharing. Marxists like Friedrich Engels agree to this perspective.

Feminist perspectives � According to feminists the gender inequality exists because of patriarchy the work men do is more valued than the work done by the women. � Feminists address the issue of gender inequality, patriarchy and sexism � However we must remember that there is difference in approach between feminists with respect to promoting gender equality

Different Types of Feminism � Liberal Feminism: they believe on the present system and argue for more opportunities for women � Marxist feminism/Socialist feminism: they argue for the complete change in the structure of the family so as to free women form the responsibility of house work and childcare. � Radical Feminism: they believe on more drastic measures like change motherhood and family is totally questioned and women should be freed form child bearing task by use of new technology.

Readings and References � Bradely, K and Khor, D. (1993). Towards an integration of theory and research on the status of women. Gender and Society, 7(3), 3473 -3478 � 2. Price, L. (2009). Feminist Perspectives. Aakar Books, New Delhi. � 3. Internet source. http: //vcampus. uom. ac. mu/soci 1101/444_feminist_perspectives. html