AMES 22A00 - Gender Inequalities in the Social Sciences

This class examines inequalities, power relations, and discrimination based on sex and gender. It situates these issues within a socio-historical perspective on the emergence of patriarchy as a non-natural phenomenon. While physical violence against women and the gendered division of labor are widespread across societies, institutionalized misogyny develops alongside increasing social complexity, notably with intensive agriculture, state formation, and monotheistic religions.

After examining the historical roots of patriarchy, the course shifts to the analysis of key determinants of contemporary gender inequalities. It focuses on education and girls’ disadvantage in STEM, labor market discrimination, and the role of family. Drawing on recent research, the course emphasizes studies that go beyond correlations to identify the causal effects of life events—such as childbirth, divorce, and inheritance—on gender inequalities. These causal insights are crucial for designing effective public policies aimed at reducing such inequalities.

Quantitative studies assess the magnitude of these inequalities and help identify their underlying causes, while qualitative research sheds light on the social contexts in which power relations are (re)produced. Drawing on scholarship on the social construction of gender identities, the course examines how gendered stereotypes are today reappropriated by women in efforts to protect the living world - a theoretical movement called eco-feminism. The final part of the class focuses on the intellectual tools—such as the redefinition of masculinities—and policy instruments, including quotas, role models, and early childhood services, that can help curb these inequalities.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to :

• Understand the multiple dimensions of patriarchy and trace its historical and institutional origins;
• Use quantitative studies and statistical concepts to discuss contemporary gender inequalities between women and men;
• Identify and discuss effective public policy measures to reduce these inequalities.

The course is organized in eight three-hour meetings. Every session includes periods of lecturing, groupwork, and debate.

A key objective of the course is for the students to thoroughly engage with the required readings – that is, that they read them carefully, but also analyze and discuss them. Some readings will be assigned as homework; short texts will also be read in class.

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:

• At each session, students will design a set of cards featuring key concepts and salient facts. These cards will be created using the Anki Cards application, which has been shown to be effective for knowledge retention.
• Students are required to review these cards regularly in preparation for a test at the end of the course (25% of the final grade).
• The final essay will account for 50% of the final grade.
• Each student will present a scientific article (10-minute presentation, 15% of the final grade).
• Class participation will be rewarded with 10% of the final grade.