This paper focusses on the question whether and to what extent this still very prominent gender-specific role allocation in the household is related to or may have an influence on the unequal distribution of women in the labour market. And further, in which way it influences this distribution.
In order to answer these questions, the current article is structured as follows: First, an overview of theoretical debates is provided on the basis of which hypotheses are formulated. Afterwards, the current state of empirical research is presented and discussed critically so that finally a conclusion can be drawn as well as implications be displayed.
Gender inequality can be described as the socially constructed practices that attribute certain advantages or disadvantages to individuals because of their belonging to a certain gender category. It is a process that seems deeply rooted in history and can be based either on institutionalized notions of gender differences or cultural stereotypes. The main causes of gender inequalities at the macro level are social structures, especially labour market structures or, more specifically, the segregation of such. The causes of the difficulties that women face in career advancement are complex. However, the inequality to the disadvantage of women in occupational fields and positions can be particularly related to their role in the family. In middle-class societies, the man is usually responsible for paid employment while the woman takes over the unpaid private obligations of household chores and child education .
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Theories on gender inequality
- 2.1 Macro theories
- 2.2 Micro theories
- 3. Empirical Research
- 3.1 Gender inequality today
- 3.2 Women at the labour market
- 4. Discussion
- 4.1 Normative expectations
- 4.2 Job interruptions and part-time work of women
- 4.3 Requirements for top occupations
- 4.4 Connection micro level and macro level
- 5. Conclusion and implications
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This article aims to explore the persistence of gender inequality, particularly focusing on the role of traditional household labor divisions in hindering women's equality in the workplace. It investigates the interplay between macro-level social structures and micro-level individual behaviors and decisions in shaping this inequality.
- The impact of traditional gender roles in the household on women's career advancement.
- The theoretical explanations for gender inequality, encompassing both macro and micro perspectives.
- Empirical evidence on the current state of gender inequality in the labor market.
- The connection between micro-level behaviors and macro-level social structures in perpetuating gender inequality.
- The implications of persistent gender inequality in the household for women's overall equality.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter defines gender inequality as socially constructed practices that disadvantage individuals based on their gender. It highlights macro-level causes like labor market segregation (vertical and horizontal) and the resulting gender wage gap. The chapter emphasizes the persistent traditional division of labor in families, where men predominantly engage in paid work while women handle unpaid household tasks. It introduces the central research question: how does the gendered division of household labor influence women's unequal distribution in the labor market? The introduction outlines the article's structure, promising an overview of relevant theories, a critical discussion of empirical research, and concluding implications.
2. Theories on gender inequality: This chapter explores theoretical perspectives on gender inequality, dividing them into macro and micro theories. Macro theories, such as world-systems theory and Marxist approaches, examine societal structures and processes contributing to gender stratification. However, the chapter points out that these theories often neglect the micro-level processes driving inequality. Micro theories, such as network theory, utilitarian exchange theories, rational choice theories, role theory, and status-expectancy theory, focus on individual behaviors and interactions that reproduce gender inequality. The chapter specifically discusses interaction theories, like ethnomethodology and symbolic interactionism, which emphasize how gender is "done" in everyday interactions and conversations. Finally, Tomaskovic-Devey's economic model is introduced, linking historical and biological factors to gendered occupational choices. The chapter concludes by highlighting the interconnectedness of macro and micro-level factors in shaping gender inequality.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Gender inequality, household labor division, women's employment, macro-level structures, micro-level interactions, labor market segregation, gender wage gap, theoretical perspectives, empirical research, traditional gender roles, career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Gender Inequality
What is the overall focus of this academic article preview?
This preview summarizes an academic article exploring the persistence of gender inequality, particularly focusing on the role of traditional household labor divisions in hindering women's workplace equality. It examines the interplay between macro-level social structures and micro-level individual behaviors and decisions in shaping this inequality.
What topics are covered in the article's Table of Contents?
The article covers an introduction, theories on gender inequality (macro and micro perspectives), empirical research on gender inequality today and women in the labor market, a discussion incorporating normative expectations, job interruptions and part-time work for women, requirements for top occupations, and the connection between micro and macro levels, and finally, conclusions and implications.
What are the key objectives and themes of the article?
The article aims to investigate the impact of traditional gender roles on women's career advancement; explore theoretical explanations for gender inequality from both macro and micro perspectives; present empirical evidence on the current state of gender inequality in the labor market; analyze the connection between micro-level behaviors and macro-level structures in perpetuating gender inequality; and discuss the implications of persistent gender inequality in the household for women's overall equality.
What theoretical perspectives are discussed in the article?
The article explores both macro-level theories (like world-systems theory and Marxist approaches) and micro-level theories (such as network theory, utilitarian exchange theories, rational choice theories, role theory, status-expectancy theory, ethnomethodology, and symbolic interactionism). It also incorporates Tomaskovic-Devey's economic model, linking historical and biological factors to gendered occupational choices. The interconnectedness of macro and micro factors is a key theme.
What types of empirical research are covered?
The preview mentions that the article includes empirical research focusing on the current state of gender inequality in the labor market, specifically addressing issues like women's participation in the workforce and the gender wage gap.
What is the main research question addressed in the article?
The central research question is: How does the gendered division of household labor influence women's unequal distribution in the labor market?
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The introduction defines gender inequality and highlights the persistent traditional division of labor in families. Chapter 2 explores macro and micro theories of gender inequality, emphasizing their interconnectedness. The article promises a discussion of empirical research findings and concluding implications for understanding and addressing gender inequality.
What are the key words associated with this article?
Key words include: Gender inequality, household labor division, women's employment, macro-level structures, micro-level interactions, labor market segregation, gender wage gap, theoretical perspectives, empirical research, traditional gender roles, career advancement.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, Gender inequality in the household, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/492653
