PSYC 367/WmSt 366:  Gender Issues in Psychology

Spring 2004            Virginia Norris, Ph.D.

All dates are subject to change.  Announcements in class supersede internet material.
CHAPTER 13
Issues in the Workplace
Why do People Work
  • WHY DO MEN WORK?
  • WHY DO WOMEN WORK?
    • Economic Reasons
      • 60% of the women who work MUST have the income in order to buy the physical necessities of life
    • Self-Esteem Reasons
      • A paycheck is tangible evidence of skill.
    • Domestic Roles
      • Basic housekeeping is not very creative.
      • Some aspects of mothering are noxious.
      • The importance of mothering diminishes once children begin school.
    • Personality Factors
    • Social Pressure
A BEHAVIOR ASSOCIATED WITH WOMEN WORKING--Sharing of domestic duties (chores and child care)
  • Main Theme
  • Variations
  • Recent evidence that both older and younger men are doing more
  • What predicts the level of participation by men?
    • Motivation
    • Supports
    • Skills
    • Structural Barriers
  • Effects of Housework on Income
BARRIERS TO WOMEN WORKING
  • Internal Barriers
    • Traditional female life plan
    • Gender-identity and gender-role attitudes
    • Attitudes toward helping others
    • Fear of Success
    • Lower work-related expectations than men
    • "blaming the victim"
  • External Barriers
    • Socialization
    • Discrimination
    • Two Labor Forces
    • Access to Trade Unions
    • Other