In this journal, I will reflect on the relevance of sociology in my life and how gender has and will
continue to shape my past, present and future. Furthermore, I will also discuss conflict theory in this
reflection. I see conflict theory as the most relatable of the three frameworks, as in each position I
have worked, the positions of power have always been held by men and the lower positions are almost
always, women.
1. Reflecting on the relevance of sociology:
Sociology is a means to which we can see the world through a wider lens, and understand society,
while also examining a individuals place within it. As described by (Henslin et al, 2014, p. 8) Sociology
is “the study of society and human behaviour”. Analysing society with a sociological perspective, is
useful across multiple different areas of life. From understanding unemployment rates, gender
inequality, the privileges of being a particular race or ethnic group, or how an individual’s access to
education can determine their future.
Social issues, more specifically surrounding gender have been something I have thought about in a
critical sense, before being introduced in more depth during this course. Gender, as defined by Henslin
et al (2014, p. 300) is “the behaviours and attitudes that a society considers proper for its males and
females”. Looking back 50 years ago, women were expected to be at home, raising children and
managing all household duties. To ensure human population didn’t decline due to large numbers of
deaths, women had to have many children; to birth, nurse and raise them while the men left the home
to support the family (Henslin et al, 2014, p. 314). This led men to gain a sense of superiority which
has carried down through generations, and still exists in some ways, today.
In my own experience, this expectation has shifted slightly, but has not completely changed. Prior to
having my child, I was working full-time and managing the household chores with my partner. I
planned on being a stay-at-home mum for as long as I could, however two factors played an important
role in my return to the workforce. The cost of living was increasing, where we could no longer be
comfortable on one wage and I didn’t enjoy being stuck in the same routine day in day out, raising my
daughter and managing all the household chores. Upon returning to work 3 days a week, I still felt the
pressure of doing all housework, while also being a mum on the 2 days I didn’t work. The Australian
Bureau of Statistics (2009) released an article relating to the trends in household work, it was noted
that while the employment rates of women had increased significantly between 1992 and 2006,
“Women spent around the same amount of time on household work in 2006 (an average of 33 hours
and 45 minutes a week) as they had in 1992”. There’s this societal expectation that the man works the
labour intensive jobs and deserves the rest; but because a woman works in a clerical role, it’s
sedentary and ‘easy’, therefore we should be making up for that by looking after the household as
well.
2. Exploring one of the 3 sociological frameworks you were introduced to that appeals to you the
most and why? Choose one of the three listed below:
• Structural Functionalism
• Conflict theory
• Symbolic interactionism
In this part of my reflection, I will look into conflict theory. The founder of this theory Karl Marx,
examined society and argued that there’s a class system in which the workers are exploited and those
in power, or the wealthy are in control (Henslin et al, 2014, p.13). This theory resonates with me the
most as I too, believe that society is ran by the wealthy. Take landlords for example; most landlords
are in the position to purchase additional homes due to their wealth and then rent these properties
out for a profit to those in a lesser position than them. They are making money exploiting those who
cannot afford to own a home, and in turn, increase their income, purchase more homes and continue
the cycle. Another example is the class you are born into, more times than not, determines an
individual’s place in society. I have worked for a wealthy family business, where the children of the
founder have taken over, and are currently setting their own children up to pass the business down
again when the time comes. This allows the cycle to continue again, where the bourgeoisie retain their
position and keep control of the proletariats. Furthermore, middle to upper class children generally
have better access to education, where they are given better opportunities through private schooling,
and are more likely to continue to tertiary studies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, difference in expectations between the genders are still prominent in society today –
which is prevalent based on the findings by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. As a society it’s
important to continue viewing the world with a sociological perspective and to challenge the norms,
instead of just accepting it because it’s ‘just the way things are’. Class differences are important to be
privy to, and understanding our place within society, so we have the ability to question why things are
the way they are, is crucial to changing the future.
Reference List
Henslin, J., Possamai, A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., Marjoribanks, T., & Edler, C. (2014). The sociological
Perspective. In S. Bilic (Ed.), Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia (pp. 2-41, pp. 300-334).
Pearson Australia.
Trends
in
Household
Work
https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4102.0Main+Features40March%202009
(NEED TO FIX REFERENCE)