Why is it important to study the sociology of gender? We study so we can see the issues and inequalities around us, explore those issues, and come up with solutions to problems within our society. When we look at the impact one’s identity has on their outcomes, as illustrated in examples about education, access to abortion and healthcare, and the pay gap based on gender, we recognize the importance of this field of sociology. If we know what has happened and is currently happening and find ways to improve it, we can create a more equitable society. Discriminatory policies and practices favorable to a dominant group and unfavorable to other groups are systematically embedded in the existing structure of society in the form of norms. In the case of the sociology of gender, we can look at and dismantle the discrimination against women and those outside of the gender binary.

One reason to study the sociology of gender is to recognize how we fit into the world, including how we are viewed and how we view others through the lens of gender. We may be able to understand why we are drawn to certain professions, for example, based on our gender. Often, females are socialized into professions such as teaching and caregiving, more so than positions of power. We can place ourselves within these norms, standards, and expectations to understand how we fit into the world. In this way, we might discover how we do not fit the standard gendered norms, or we might learn other concepts around gender.

1.4.1 Asking the Bigger Questions

We can also explore what we see and experience to answer some of the bigger sociological questions. Imagine you have a friend, colleague, or peer that comes out as transgender and is then ostracized by their family, perhaps bullied at school, or loses a job. We can then ask the big question: Why? Why did that one piece of their identity cause so much harm to their lived experience? What we will find is that there are mass cultural and sociological factors at play through the lens of gender.

One of those factors is institutionalized discrimination, the exclusion of those who do not conform to established norms in our society that is built into the institutions of education, work, politics, economy, and so on.. When an individual does not fit into established binary gender categories, ideals of masculine/feminine or male/female, the problem is with society’s institutionalized norms, values, roles, and expectations rather than the individual themselves.

1.4.2 Patterns that Shape our Experiences

What sociology of gender adds to our understanding of gender is the validation of patterns and experiences we see daily through scientific research. As discussed, sociological research follows the scientific method, so research on issues related to gender, sexuality, and intersectionality has all been completed in ways that are validated by not only the method but by other professionals in the field.

When we discuss the wage gap, it is not just an idea or a theory. Sociologists, economists, and others have clear data that compares what men make in the same fields and positions to women, as well as data on who is hired for which jobs at higher rates. They also record the experiences of individuals and groups, through qualitative data methods, and compare and contrast those experiences to explain the more nuanced patterns of the wage gap story. This combined research (numerical statistical data and the commonalities in stories) provides evidence of sociological patterns.

1.4.3 Working for Change and Future Activism

When we connect research with experiences in our everyday lives and the lives of those around us, we start to see patterns and shared similarities. When a woman notices that her male colleagues have advanced in position and pay, she is not alone in her experience. When a black man is continuously passed over for interviews based on his name, he is also not alone in his struggle. When LGBTQIA+ individuals face microaggressions and discrimination within the workforce, they are also not alone.

Recognizing these patterns shows us that we can work together to create a healthier, more positive, and equitable space in the world. For those who face a social stigma like having a criminal record, when they can see others out there facing similar struggles, they can use that shared experience and power of numbers to enact change. We have seen this in the power of the vote. When groups work together and rally for positive change, they can make a difference. Small portions of society with more political power sometimes create policies and laws that disproportionately harm disadvantaged populations. Activists then rally around these policies to change them or ensure they fail at the ballot box.

Figure 1.11 Protests from the Women’s March, Black Lives Matter and Gun Violence elicit social change and are based on rights, equity, safety. Voting gives citizens a voice in the future.

The Human Rights Campaign, Mom’s Demand, Black Lives Matter, and the ACLU are all activist groups with varied missions, but they all approach and support equity, access, and equal rights. Small movements and actions can lead to big changes when we work together.