Power and Privilege Socialization and Career - Essay Example

The presence of gender bias, whichever direction it cuts, impacts the use of power and privilege to an unfair degree. Gender bias in schools. It has long been believed that one reason there is a gender-based social bias in our country is founded in the different gender expectations placed on children. For example, little boys are given guns and trucks as toys and told not to cry. Conversely, girls are presented with dolls and allowed to express emotions more readily. In schools, there tends to be a preference given to boys, sending a message of higher worth and power.

"Giving the boys more time and attention is not uncommon according to research on gender bias in classrooms and it has been documented that this behavior sends a message to both boys and girls that one sex is more worthy of teachers' time and attention" (Wellhousen and Yin 38). This type of early socialization can negatively impact the self-image and choices made by girls, as well as diminish their interests in certain career fields. In fact, teachers themselves have been conditioned to project, even in very subtle ways, particular career preferences based on gender.

"From parents and counselors, books and television, and myriad societal institutions, teachers have been taught that one set of jobs and behaviors is appropriate for girls and another, different, set is appropriate for boys" (Erekson, et al. 67). It is unconscionable that a teacher would intentionally foist a stereotype on his classroom, but the understated message of gender inequality-or at least predisposition for one career field over another-still gets absorbed by young minds. This connotes that power and privilege both travel along the lines of gender expectations, and girls are disadvantaged from the start.

That said, the notion of career-oriented gender bias is not exclusively applied to women; men have felt the disadvantage of role expectations as well.Gender bias is always unfair. In the case of Mississippi University for Women v. Hogan, there was a non-typical application of career stereotyping where women were in the place of power and given a gender-biased privilege. In that case, Mr. Hogan applied to the university's nursing program and, though he was qualified in every way, was denied admission.

The stated reason was because he was not a woman and the university was open exclusively to women. The practice of admitting only women was defended by the organization as a method of educational affirmative action, an argument the court refused. This illustrates the fundamental unfairness of gender bias, regardless of the direction in which it is applied, and gives support to negative gender stereotypes. Nursing is not a profession designed exclusively for women, just as being a doctor is not an occupation solely for men.

Yet, even as children, these gender roles are most often assumed during play time; reinforcing an inappropriate attitude towards both individuals and career choices. When an otherwise qualified candidate is refused the opportunity to participate in any opportunity, program, or career solely on the basis of gender, it is a flagrant exercise of the abuse of power by those privileged to have it. Unfortunately, this unfairness is a learned behavior that stems