ABSTRACT
Sociological work on gender is guided by intersectionality and explained by major theoretical perspectives: Functionalism and conflict theory at the macro level, symbolic interaction at the micro level, and the emerging perspective of social constructionism at the mezzo level. Feminist sociological theory challenges a status quo disadvantageous to women. Sex and gender are distinguished. The gender binary is discounted with evidence in relation to people with gender variant identities. Feminism is a global movement to end sexism by empowering women. Feminism is differentiated according to various overlapping categories (radical, cultural, global, ecofeminism, and cyberfeminism). With Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin spotlighted, Election 2008 serves as a case study on media reinforcement of gender stereotyping that has escalated in the Trump era. Backlash to feminism in media’s political discourse is highlighted. Feminist success stories include the Women’s March(es), #MeToo, Moms Demand Action (gun violence), and LGBTQ activism.
