Gender stratification which also called gender inequality refers to inequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender. For example normally males are more advantaged than females and sexual minorities are disadvantaged from majorities. Gender stratification could be seen from four views. First is sociobiological view. Sociobiological view thinks genes and biological difference are most important. Next is functional view, and this is based on sociobiological thinking so this view thinks labor division is efficient because of differences between males and females. Third, conflict theory focuses on power and conflict, and because of difference in physical strength male always cannot help standing upon females. Last, interactionist theory thinks because of culture gender stratification exists.
Our first discussion topic was "What other gendered cultural symbols can we think of?" our team thought there is gendered cultural symbols in words. For example, policeman, mankind, mothering are the words that involve superiority of males and caring kids is only females' work. These words are now called police officer, people, and nurturing. Changed words do not involve discrimination about male and female. Also there are many examples in Korean. Korean usually use the words, brotherly affection and devoted son, that involves discrimination and superiority of males.
Our second discussion topic was "Why fewer women enroll in college/university in Korea than men?" I was little bit surprise because I didn't know fewer women enroll university than men. In days gone by, most adults thought women do not need to enroll college but nowadays there are people almost never think that way. So our sole answer was there are more females who choose jobs do not need university like stylist and make up artist than males.
I agree with your opinion. Some words can be gendered cultural symbols. In the past, the person who is a warranted employee of a police force is usually called ‘policeman’ regardless of gender. The word provoked controversy. Because this is a case of gender discrimination. That word reinforces male dominance and a false notion that police officer is the man's occupation. So nowadays we correctly call the person who works for police a ‘police officer.’ I think we have to make a greater effort like this by correcting an error and coming up with the way to lessen gender discrimination.
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