Gender Notes
Gender and Society Notes
February 5, 2004
“Privilege”

Privilege- status-virtue of how other people see us-some need to be extended, i.e. human rights, others need to be ended if we want equality in society.

White Privilege- majority that has power in the US. Privilege can exist if a group controls resources, even if they are a minority.
- white people can watch TV/media and can assume that their race will be strongly represented
- white people can assume they will learn about their own culture/history
- No fear of being stopped or harassed by police
- Can buy a house or apply for a job anywhere
- Can get money, benefits, loans for education
- Sexuality is seen as a subject
- If rejected from a job a white person doesn’t question if its because of his/her race
- Oppression and inequality is rarely noticed a lot of the time

Male Privilege- Income is higher than women, therefore have more choices
- If an athlete can be sure to be watched or supported by fans
- More likely to be authority figure at work
- Takes up more challenges/complex jobs/hard work
- Has more choices of jobs/careers-move up in rank
- Men that choose non-traditional career are likely to be promoted
- Marital status is not central to how people identify you
- Likelihood that you will be encouraged to speak and feel confident in school, work, society
- More likely to become a politic, economic leader and your interests will be looked out for
- Don’t have to worry about sexual intimidation
- Not have to worry about physical safety-rape, harassment, etc.
- Men that have power are seen as normal whereas women with power are seen as “bitchy” and a “pushover”
- Men with authority are taken more seriously then women-speeches
- Men can have causal sex without being referred to has a “whore”
- Can have sex without worrying about getting pregnant

Heterosexual Privilege- Can get married in any state freely/legally
- Teammates wont be hostile if they know about your sexuality
- Easier to have kids and raise a family
- You can be in the military and be openly sexual
- Feel comfortable in public being open with sexuality and relationships
- Can easily relate to media stories or romance relationships
- As a male can be sexual active and donate blood
- Can have same sex friends who won’t be uncomfortable around you
- Can be open with sexuality without fear of being fired or ridiculed
- You are a “normal” status in society