Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Sociology - Gender
Studies, grade: 1,3, University of Tubingen (Institut für Soziologie),
course: Applied Stratification Research, language: English, abstract:
This paper focusses on the question whether and to what extent this
still very prominent gender-specific role allocation in the household is
related to or may have an influence on the unequal distribution of women
in the labour market. And further, in which way it influences this
distribution. In order to answer these questions, the current article is
structured as follows: First, an overview of theoretical debates is
provided on the basis of which hypotheses are formulated. Afterwards,
the current state of empirical research is presented and discussed
critically so that finally a conclusion can be drawn as well as
implications be displayed. Gender inequality can be described as the
socially constructed practices that attribute certain advantages or
disadvantages to individuals because of their belonging to a certain
gender category. It is a process that seems deeply rooted in history and
can be based either on institutionalized notions of gender differences
or cultural stereotypes. The main causes of gender inequalities at the
macro level are social structures, especially labour market structures
or, more specifically, the segregation of such. The causes of the
difficulties that women face in career advancement are complex. However,
the inequality to the disadvantage of women in occupational fields and
positions can be particularly related to their role in the family. In
middle-class societies, the man is usually responsible for paid
employment while the woman takes over the unpaid private obligations of
household chores and child education .
