1.Topic 6 DQ 2
"Gender stereotypes sustain and reinforce occupational clustering"(Marger,2014), meaning that if we believe that men are strong and handy, while women are nurturing and gentle, then men and woman will be naturally drawn to those particular roles.
A man may be naturally drawn to a Fireman or Police Officer occupation, considering those are both very dominating and aggressive positions, which is how society naturally accepts the male portrayal.
However women on the other hand, may be drawn to a school teacher position considering she is naturally the child bearer and will understand children better.
There is also the fact that we will naturally want to go into positions that society deems appropriate or acceptable based on our gender. Although I might have a knack for math and science, I may steer clear of becoming an Engineer since it is considered a male occupation. It may seem embarrassing for some if their son goes into the "nursing" profession.
Despite the gender stereotypes that are still alive and well, changes are indeed taking place. The change over time is contributed by men taking jobs that have been mostly drawn in by females in the past, "An increasing number of men are moving into occupational areas that had always been over-whelmingly female, such as dental hygienists, kindergarten teachers, and nurses"(Marger, 2014).
Due to issues with the job market, the recession, and all around happiness with their career, these factors have all contributed to the change within gender specific jobs. Women are also moving into managerial and director type roles which were once dominated by men.
Marger, M. (2014). Social Inequality Patterns and Processes (6th ed.)
.2 Topic 6 DQ 2
Gender stereotypes cluster men and women into certain categories, these categories include occupational opportunities. According to Marger (2014) "If it is assumed that men are more aggressive and daring by nature, police officer and firefighter become "natural" male occupations.
If women are assumed to be more compassionate and nurturing, nurse and schoolteacher become "natural" female occupations. These stereotypes often lead to self-fulfilling prophecies" (Pg. 339-340).
When looking at the chart on page 340 of the text it is fairly obvious that jobs that were considered masculine in the 80's is still considered that way today. Meaning that jobs such as firefighter, auto mechanic, truck driver, etc., are still relatively performed by men, with women in those careers still being extremely low.
Another factor I noticed, when it comes to women is that jobs that require a degree are being filled by more women (social worker, clergy, lawyer), showing that education is a key factor in why women are now moving on from waitress and bankteller work, and onto a career choice that gives better financial support and have better outlooks for the future.
Melissa Finch
Marger, M. (2014). Social Inequality Patterns and Processes (6th ed.)
3 Topic 6 DQ 2
"Gender stereotypes sustain and reinforce occupational clustering (Marger, 2014)." It is believed that men have traits that come natural to them, such as being aggressive which draws them to occupations that allow them to utilize those traits, like police officers and firefighters.
Women are believed to be compassionate and nurturing which draws those to occupations like nurses, teachers, and data entry positions. I believe these stereotypes are pretty common across the country but as time passes more and more women and men are taking occupations they may not necessarily socially accepted for their gender roles.
I think a contributing factor is the cost of living. The cost of living is constantly increasing causing people to explore all options to ensure the quality of like he/she may intend to live.
Martin N. Marger, 2014. Social Inequalities: Patterns and Processes. Sixth Edition p.339