Question

How does each of the theoretical perspectives understand gender and gender inequality?

a) Essentialism views gender as biologically determined; constructivism sees it as socially constructed.
b) Essentialism acknowledges gender inequality, while constructivism denies its existence.
c) Sociology predominantly follows essentialism.
d) Sociology predominantly follows constructivism.

Answer 1

Essentialism views gender as biologically determined, while constructivism sees it as a result of socialization. Sociology generally follows constructivism, seeking to understand gender roles and gender inequality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theoretical perspectives understand gender and gender inequality in distinct ways. Essentialism views gender as biologically determined, asserting that men and women have inherent differences due to their sex, and these differences may lead to gender inequality. In contrast, constructivism (also known as social constructivism) sees gender as a social construct, shaped by culture and society through socialization processes involving family, education, peer groups, and mass media. Sociology, as an academic discipline, generally tends to follow the constructivist view, challenging essentialist notions by exploring how gender roles are learned and performed, leading to gender stratification. The feminist perspective falls under the conflict theories and emphasizes the various impacts of discrimination and inequality on economics, social mobility, and political power.