Its influences are pervasive and multi-dimensional. Virtually all societies label some tasks as 'men's' work and others as 'women's' work. While there is a great deal of variability in the kinds of tasks assigned to each sex across societies, those labeled as women's work are usually seen as less important and less desirable. Not only women's work but women themselves are devalued. Thus gender can be viewed as a system of social classification that influences access to power and resources.
Men have more public power in most societies, controlling governments, law, and public discourse.
A quick check on the number of women in the parliament and in the judiciary will illustrate that our own society is no exception. By and large, men make and enforce the laws that women and men must follow.