Gender Schema Theory Essay

Perrons (2003, p.68) argues that this new economy has created a digital divide, which has the potential to reinforce divisions of gender, class, ethnicity and race. Furthermore, women are more likely to be represented in lower-paid employment, while there is an over-representation of educated white middle-class men in high-level jobs within these professions. This new economy has also fostered a different approach to employment, which is characterised by risk. Gill (2002) draws on Ulrick Beck’s notion that society is shifting to a second modernity, which has been brought about by innovations in technology and globalisation. A stable career was considered the norm in the twentieth century industrial age, however, the concept of a permanent career is being increasingly

Gender schema theory in simple terms is concerned with children and how they learn what it is to be female and male. This is achieved through observation, processing of new information and the retrieval of information stored in cognitive structures. This process begins in early childhood and the culture in which the child inhabits will determine the behavioural and emotional roles that are considered appropriate for women and men. Gender polarisation is a concept by Sandra Bem that postulates, characteristics of femininity and masculinity are mutually exclusive for example the behaviours and attitudes of men are seen as inappropriate for women. Conversely the behaviours and attitudes of women are seen as inappropriate to men. Lemons and Parzinger (p.92) suggest traditional gender roles create bias in favour of men. For instance, women place a greater emphasis on family than on their own rights, while men typically assume leadership roles. This creates an information processing bias and results in “undesirable work place