Question

Gendered institutions are interesting from a sociological point of view because:

A. they help challenge the gender binary system
B. they affirm and enforce gender difference and inequality
C. They systematically work toward the goal of a free citizenry
D. They fail to provide a framework which makes it possible for women to make rational decisions about their careers

Answer 1

Gendered institutions contribute to the affirmation and enforcement of gender differences and inequalities through the socialization process and societal norms. They play a role in gender stratification and the division of public and private societal spheres.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gendered institutions are sociologically significant because they affirm and enforce gender difference and inequality. Institutions can be both formal and informal, shaping gender and reinforcing the gender binary. Gender roles are first understood and enacted through socialization, which occurs in family, education, peer groups, and mass media settings. These roles often lead to gender stratification and influence the dynamic of power and social mobility within a society. Societal norms and the division into public and private spheres can impact the status and perceived equality of genders. Feminist anthropology and intersectionality explore how factors such as race, class, and ethnicity further complicate gender experiences.