Singapore University of Social Sciences

Gender Issues

Gender Issues (SOC209)

Synopsis

Gender Issues examines women’s and men’s roles and the position and status of women, in particular, in various aspects of social life. The course explores the reasons for the perpetuation of patriarchy in most societies and women’s continued subordination to men. Women’s experiences in different societies will be used to help students understand the different concepts, ideas and theories on the subject. Gender is a dimension of social stratification in society. Gender theories explain why women experience inequality in different contexts. The differences between the concepts of sex and gender highlight the fundamental notion that while sex has its basis in biological differences between men and women, gender is a social construct (masculinity and femininity). The course also reviews the reasons for and representation of unequal gender relations in society and explores how gender relations operate locally as well as globally supported by a range of examples from different societies. The topics examined include: gender in the home and the workplace; women in the media; gender and politics; and gender and education. Throughout, the political, legislative, and social barriers confronting gender equality in different societies are examined.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July

Topics

  • Introduction: Theories of gender
  • Gender Relations in the Family and the Household
  • Gender and the Workplace
  • Gender and Education
  • The Political (Wo)man: Gender and Politics
  • Gender and the Media: Reproduction of Gender Divisions

Learning Outcome

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts, theories, current debates and methods covered in the sociology of gender
  • Examine the political, social and cultural factors which influence and contribute to gender inequalities at the individual and societal levels
  • Illustrate how men and women across the world experience the various dimensions of life differently
  • Discuss how gender is one of many factors of social inequality, the others being race/ethnicity, socioeconomic class, age and sexual orientation
  • Analyse gender issues and strategies for equality in various sectors in society including the workplace and the economy, the family, education, politics and government, and the media
  • Review policies and measures in addressing and eradicating gender inequalities
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