TOWARD AN INTEGRATED THEORY OF GENDER STRATIFICATION

Determinants of gender stratification range through every institutiona l sphere and every level of sociological analysis. An integrated theor y is presented which charts the connections and feedbacks among three main blocks of causal factors and two blocks of outcomes. The GENDER O RGANIZATION OF PRODUCTION block includes the degree of compatibility b etween productive and reproductive labor, and determinants of the gend er segregation of productive labor (including flows from other blocks) . The GENDER ORGANIZATION OF REPRODUCTION includes demographic conditi ons, the social control of reproductive technologies, and the class an d gender organization of parenting. SEXUAL POLITICS includes historica l variations in family alliance politics, erotic status markets, and v iolent male groups. On the outcomes side, GENDER RESOURCE MOBILIZATION centers on gender income and property, household organization, sexual coercion, and the distinctiveness of gender cultures. GENDER CONFLICT S involve the conditions for both gender movements and counter-movemen ts, which feed back into the prior blocks of causal conditions. Despit e rises in women's gender resources in recent decades, it is likely th at gender conflicts will go on in new forms. An integrated theory make s it possible to examine alternative scenarios and policies of change in gender stratification of the future.