BSOC 107: SOCIOLOGY OF GENDER

BSOC 107: Sociology of Gender – IGNOU

Introduction

BSOC 107: Sociology of Gender is a comprehensive course offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as part of its Bachelor’s degree program in Sociology. This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of gender in society. It explores various theoretical perspectives, historical contexts, and contemporary issues related to gender, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to critically examine gender dynamics.

BSOC 107 Course Overview

BSOC 107 delves into the sociology of gender by examining how gender influences social structures, relationships, and individual identities. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the construction of gender, gender roles and stereotypes, gender inequality, the intersection of gender with other social categories, and the impact of globalization on gender relations.

Key Themes and Topics

1. Understanding Gender
   • Conceptual Frameworks: The course begins by introducing key concepts such as sex, gender, and sexuality. It distinguishes between biological and social constructs of gender, emphasizing how gender is a socially constructed phenomenon that varies across cultures and historical periods.
   • Theories of Gender: Various sociological theories are explored, including functionalist, conflict, feminist, and intersectional perspectives. These theories provide a foundation for understanding how gender roles are established, maintained, and challenged in society.
2. Gender Socialization
   • Agents of Socialization: The course examines how family, education, media, and peer groups contribute to the socialization of gender roles. It highlights how these agents reinforce or challenge traditional gender norms.
   • Impact of Socialization: Students learn about the lifelong process of gender socialization and its impact on individual behavior, aspirations, and opportunities. The course also addresses the consequences of non-conformity to prescribed gender roles.
3. Gender and Work
   • Labor Market Segregation: The course investigates gender segregation in the labor market, exploring how occupational roles are often divided along gender lines. It discusses the concept of the “glass ceiling” and the barriers women face in advancing to leadership positions.
   • Wage Gap: The persistent wage gap between men and women is analyzed, with discussions on its causes, implications, and potential solutions. The course emphasizes the importance of addressing structural inequalities to achieve gender parity in the workplace.
4. Gender and Family
   • Gender Roles in Families: Traditional and contemporary gender roles within families are explored, including the division of household labor and caregiving responsibilities. The course examines how these roles have evolved over time and their impact on family dynamics.
   • Marriage and Parenting: Students learn about the gendered expectations in marriage and parenting, and how these expectations shape the experiences of men and women in family life.
5. Gender and Education
   • Educational Attainment: The course investigates the role of education in shaping gender identities and opportunities. It explores gender disparities in educational attainment and the factors contributing to these differences.
   • Gender Bias in Curriculum: The presence of gender bias in educational materials and practices is discussed, along with efforts to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments.
6. Gender, Media, and Popular Culture
   • Representation: The course analyzes how gender is portrayed in various forms of media and popular culture, including television, film, advertising, and social media. It highlights the impact of these representations on societal attitudes and individual self-concepts.
   • Media Influence: Students examine the role of media in perpetuating or challenging gender stereotypes and norms. The course encourages critical media literacy as a tool for understanding and addressing gender biases.
7. Gender and Health
   • Health Disparities: The course explores gender differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare. It discusses how gender intersects with other social determinants of health, such as race, class, and sexuality.
   • Reproductive Rights: Issues related to reproductive health and rights are examined, including debates around contraception, abortion, and maternal health.
8. Gender and Violence
   • Forms of Violence: The course addresses various forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking. It discusses the social and cultural factors that contribute to such violence.
   • Prevention and Support: Efforts to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors are explored, highlighting the role of legislation, advocacy, and community-based interventions.
9. Globalization and Gender
   • Global Gender Inequalities: The course examines the impact of globalization on gender relations, focusing on issues such as labor migration, transnational caregiving, and the global sex trade.
   • Gender and Development: The role of gender in development policies and practices is discussed, with an emphasis on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the global context.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and articulate the difference between sex, gender, and sexuality.
• Critically analyze gender roles and stereotypes from various sociological perspectives.
• Recognize the impact of socialization on gender identity and behavior.
• Examine the relationship between gender and social institutions such as family, education, and work.
• Evaluate the portrayal of gender in media and popular culture.
• Understand the intersectionality of gender with other social categories like race, class, and sexuality.
• Analyze global gender issues and the impact of globalization on gender relations.
• Develop informed perspectives on strategies to address gender inequalities and promote gender justice.

Conclusion

BSOC 107: Sociology of Gender is a vital course that equips students with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to understand and address gender issues in contemporary society. By exploring the social construction of gender, the course fosters critical thinking and encourages students to challenge traditional norms and advocate for a more equitable and inclusive world. This IGNOU course is not only academically enriching but also socially relevant, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to discussions and actions on gender equality.