Comment on the social and cultural determinants of sexual division of labour.

Historical and Economic Determinants

The earliest forms of sexual division of labour were likely linked to biological realities – women’s roles in childbearing and breastfeeding often led to their association with domestic tasks and childcare. However, this biological basis quickly became intertwined with economic factors.

• Hunter-Gatherer Societies: While some degree of division existed (men typically hunting, women gathering), roles were often flexible and based on skills rather than rigid gender norms.
• Agricultural Societies: The advent of agriculture solidified the division. Men were often assigned physically demanding tasks like ploughing, while women were involved in planting, weeding, and processing crops. This was often justified by beliefs about women’s physical weakness.
• Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution further entrenched the division. Men dominated factory work, while women were relegated to lower-paying, less skilled jobs or remained in the domestic sphere. This was partly due to prevailing ideologies about women’s ‘proper’ role and partly due to discriminatory practices.

Cultural and Ideological Determinants

Cultural norms and ideologies play a significant role in shaping and justifying the sexual division of labour. These are often deeply embedded in religious beliefs, social customs, and patriarchal structures.

• Patriarchy: The dominance of men in social, political, and economic spheres is a key factor. Patriarchal ideologies often portray men as rational, strong, and capable of leadership, while women are seen as emotional, nurturing, and suited for domesticity.
• Religion: Many religions have historically reinforced gender roles, prescribing different duties and expectations for men and women. For example, traditional interpretations of Hindu scriptures often emphasize women’s roles as wives and mothers.
• Socialization: From a young age, children are socialized into gender roles through family, education, and media. Boys are encouraged to be assertive and independent, while girls are encouraged to be cooperative and caring.
• Symbolic Association: Certain tasks or professions become symbolically associated with masculinity or femininity, further reinforcing the division. For example, engineering is often seen as a ‘masculine’ profession, while nursing is seen as ‘feminine.’

Political and Legal Frameworks

Political and legal systems have historically contributed to the sexual division of labour through discriminatory laws and policies.

• Property Rights: Historically, women have often been denied equal property rights, limiting their economic independence and reinforcing their dependence on men.
• Educational Access: Limited access to education for women has historically restricted their opportunities in the workforce.
• Labour Laws: Labour laws have sometimes discriminated against women, for example, by prohibiting them from working in certain industries or by providing inadequate maternity leave.

Globalization and Modernization

Globalization and modernization are challenging traditional patterns of sexual division of labour, but the impact is complex and uneven.

• Increased Female Labour Force Participation: Globalization has created new economic opportunities for women, leading to increased participation in the labour force, particularly in export-oriented industries.
• Changing Gender Roles: Exposure to different cultures and ideas through globalization can challenge traditional gender roles and promote greater gender equality.
• Persistence of Inequalities: Despite these changes, women continue to face significant inequalities in the workplace, including wage gaps, discrimination, and limited access to leadership positions.
• The ‘Double Burden’: Women often bear the ‘double burden’ of paid work and unpaid domestic responsibilities, which can limit their career advancement and well-being.

Determinant	Description	Example
Economic	Allocation of tasks based on perceived economic efficiency and productivity.	Historically, men dominating physically demanding agricultural work.
Cultural	Social norms, values, and beliefs that prescribe different roles for men and women.	The expectation that women are primarily responsible for childcare in many societies.
Political/Legal	Laws and policies that reinforce or challenge gender roles.	Historically, denying women the right to own property.