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]]>Structural functionalist believe that, division of labor is effective to attain specific goal. In traditional societies; man was responsible to finance household expenses in family. Whereas, woman was responsible for household chores and taking care of children. Therefore, structural-functionalist considers, gender based division of labor effective; for the smooth functioning of family. Firstly, husband and wife will be specialized in tasks, associated with their roles. Secondly, different roles and responsibilities will eradicate competition between husband and wife. Lastly, distinct gender roles force spouses to depend on each other; which will strengthen family bond.
Conflict theorist believe that, division of labor give power and control to few groups or people, over the scarce resources within a society. Of course, if female specialize in household tasks, she will not have power and control over resources. However, Structural-functional perspective is based on the assumption, each functioning institution contributes for the stability and functioning of society. If one institution does not function properly, it will disorganize entire social structure. Therefore, Gender based division of labor is considered necessary for smooth functioning of Family and society.
Conflict perspective;
Conflict theorist believe that, men use gender inequality to get power and control over scarce resources. The argument is supported by two theories which are, sexism and discrimination. Sexism refer to the belief, that men do have the capacity for some jobs but women don’t; due to biological differences. Therefore, men and women are treated differently within a society. According to conflict theorists, sexism is a weapon used by men to create and sustain stratification. If men exclude women from the competition on the basis of sexism. Men will have absolute control and power over scarce resources.
Discrimination is the outcome of sexism. Giving preference to men over women, for any occupation on the basis of physical appearance is called discrimination. For instance, if Organizations prefer to hire men compare to women. Paying less salary to women compare to men, for the same job. Judging people capabilities for profession and education, on the basis of biological makeup is called, gender discrimination.
Symbolic interactionist are interested, in determining the sources and impacts of sexism in routine social interaction. In 1998 Karin martin conducted a research; to determine how boys and girls learn gender roles in schools. Her research suggested that, in schools teachers treat children differently on the basis of their physical appearances. Boys were restrained from playing dress up however, they are interested in doing so. Boys were allowed to play rough games; shouting and rolling on ground. On the other hand, girls were restrained from such activities. Girls have to talk in lower voice and raise their hands before asking question. Adulthood behavior is reflection of normative behavior; which is learned in early age by children through social interaction. Boys and girls are socialized differently in social institutions, according to presumed societal roles.
Another study was conducted in sleep away camp on gender inequality. Which suggests that, those boys attained popularity in camp, who were good in athletic activities. They used physical strength to endure their popularity by, bullying weaker children and sexually harassing girls. Moreover, popular boys were aggressive towards, any boy they view to hold, “feminine traits” and girl they view to pertain, “masculine traits”. They led the other boys to act aggressive towards them too, for maintaining their status.
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]]>According to “Max weber” in an organization everyone have to perform a specific task. For example in a university teachers job is only to teach, the one who works in administration should look after the maintenance and procurement. Teachers should not perform the job responsibilities of administrator and administrator should not teach, everyone in the organization have been assigned specific tasks and they should perform only those tasks. Weber believed that, such type of division of labor will increase the level of expertise of employee in his field and increase the efficiency and productivity of organization. However, according to conflict theorist “Karl Marx” division of labor can result in the feeling of alienation in employees because it separates them from other workers. Furthermore, the employees cannot see and learn the task beginning to end which might lead to the less productivity.
All the employees working in the organization are not equal, its structure is hierarchical. Each employee are under the authority of higher position the structure of organization is like pyramid. It clarify the employees that who are in charge and have authority of decision making in the organization. On the other hand, it might lead to the feeling of deprivation among employees of decision making, particularly those, who are at lower level of hierarchy.
All the employees working in the organization, work according to the written rules and regulations. It gives employees clear picture of their job responsibilities. It will also lead to Uniform performance, sense of unity and continuity to an organization. However, too many rules and regulation might lead to goal displacement, employees could get busy in following the rules and forget their actual goal.
The word impersonality might seems a like negative term, however, max weber meant by, impersonality that, every employee in the organization should conduct their activity in unbiased way. According to him, it will ensure the equal treatment of employees within the organization.
“Max weber” believed that, hiring of the employee should be based on their qualification. By that, he meant that, the required job responsibilities should match the qualification and skill set of the employee. Only those applicants should be hired who meets the criteria of job. It will decrease the level of discrimination on the basis of cast, creed, gender and religion.
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