Gendered division of labor

Definition

The gendered division of labor refers to the unequal distribution of work based on gender, where men and women are assigned different roles and responsibilities in both paid and unpaid labor. This concept highlights how societal norms and expectations shape the types of work deemed appropriate for each gender, often leading to women's work being undervalued or overlooked. Understanding this division is crucial for examining the ways in which capitalism and patriarchy intersect, and how class, gender, and labor dynamics influence economic systems globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The gendered division of labor often places men in positions of higher status and better-paying jobs while relegating women to lower-status roles or unpaid domestic work.
2. This division can perpetuate economic inequality as women's contributions to both the labor market and household responsibilities are frequently undervalued.
3. In many cultures, traditional gender roles dictate that men should be providers while women should handle domestic duties, reinforcing existing inequalities.
4. The globalization of labor markets has sometimes shifted the gendered division of labor by creating new opportunities for women in emerging economies, but it can also exploit them in low-wage jobs.
5. Feminist political economy critiques how economic policies and practices can reinforce the gendered division of labor, highlighting the need for systemic change to achieve equality.

Review Questions

• How does the gendered division of labor contribute to economic inequality within capitalist societies?
  • The gendered division of labor contributes to economic inequality by assigning different value to men's and women's work, often placing women in lower-paying jobs or unpaid domestic roles. This leads to a systemic undervaluing of women's contributions in both public and private spheres. Consequently, men typically occupy higher-status positions with better pay, further widening the wage gap and entrenching economic disparities.
• In what ways do class and gender intersect to shape experiences of labor in feminist political economy?
  • Class and gender intersect in various ways that affect individuals' experiences of labor. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face compounded challenges such as limited access to quality jobs and education. Additionally, the gendered division of labor results in women taking on more unpaid care work, disproportionately impacting their ability to pursue careers or higher-paying positions. This intersectionality reveals how both class and gender influence opportunities and treatment within the workforce.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on the gendered division of labor, considering both positive and negative outcomes.
  • Globalization has significantly impacted the gendered division of labor by creating new job opportunities for women in developing countries while also exposing them to exploitative conditions in low-wage industries. On one hand, it has empowered women through increased participation in the formal economy; on the other hand, it can reinforce traditional divisions by placing women in precarious positions with fewer rights and protections. This duality highlights the complexity of globalization's effects on gendered labor dynamics, necessitating critical analysis to address inequalities.

Related terms

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Care Work: Work that involves providing care services to others, often performed by women, including child-rearing, elder care, and household tasks, which are frequently unpaid or underpaid.

Wage Gap: The average difference in pay between men and women for the same work, often a direct result of the gendered division of labor.