Gendered division of labor

Definition

The gendered division of labor refers to the social and economic practice where different tasks and roles are assigned to individuals based on their gender. This division often results in women being concentrated in lower-paid, less valued jobs, while men occupy higher-status positions. This system is influenced by cultural norms and economic structures, which can affect women's opportunities for employment and advancement, particularly in the context of globalization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Women globally represent a significant portion of workers in informal sectors, where they often face precarious working conditions due to the gendered division of labor.
2. The globalization of labor markets has led to increased migration of women seeking better job opportunities, often in low-wage positions that reinforce traditional gender roles.
3. In many cultures, the gendered division of labor perpetuates stereotypes that view caregiving and domestic work as women's responsibilities, limiting their economic independence.
4. Global supply chains can exacerbate the gendered division of labor by creating demands for cheap female labor in factories and service industries, often at the expense of workers' rights.
5. Efforts to address gender equality in the workforce face challenges due to entrenched societal norms that dictate acceptable roles for men and women in various industries.

Review Questions

• How does the gendered division of labor manifest in global labor markets?
  • The gendered division of labor is evident in global labor markets where women are disproportionately represented in low-wage jobs such as textiles and agriculture. As globalization has expanded job opportunities, it has also reinforced traditional gender roles by channeling women into sectors that are often undervalued. This pattern not only limits women's economic empowerment but also perpetuates inequalities that persist across cultures.
• Analyze the impact of labor migration on women's roles in their home countries regarding the gendered division of labor.
  • Labor migration significantly alters women's roles within their home countries as many women leave for better employment opportunities abroad. This shift can lead to a reconfiguration of household dynamics, with women taking on greater financial responsibility while challenging traditional notions of gender roles. However, it may also reinforce the gendered division of labor by leaving behind a workforce that remains concentrated in low-paying domestic or informal jobs.
• Evaluate how globalization challenges or reinforces the gendered division of labor across different cultural contexts.
  • Globalization presents both challenges and reinforcements for the gendered division of labor. In some contexts, it can empower women by providing access to new job markets and promoting economic independence. However, it can also reinforce existing inequalities by perpetuating low-wage positions for women while men dominate higher-paying roles. Cultural attitudes towards gender can greatly influence these outcomes, highlighting the complex interplay between globalization and local norms.

Related terms

Labor Migration: The movement of people from one place to another for the purpose of employment, often influenced by economic disparities between regions.

Informal Economy: A segment of the economy that operates outside formal regulations, often characterized by low wages and lack of job security, where many women work.

Globalization: The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, impacting labor markets and gender roles.