Gender identity refers to a person s sexual self-image and to distinguish it from physiological sex. Gender differentiation is grounded in a sex dimorphism that serves the fundamental purpose of reproducing the species. Among the traditional stereotypes about women is the belief that they are naturally passive, domestic, and envious. Masculine mystique is a set of stereotypes about men that limit their ability to function fully and effectively. Recent research on the influence of stereotypes focuses on how women may become obsessed with their appearance and their efforts to please men or to live up to an image of femininity that is largely created by men.
Sexism is most evident in the employment status of women.
The primary source of sexism is socialization, particularly in the family, where children are treated differently on the basis of their sex. More formal socialization occurs in school, where boys and girls are also treated differently. Language and the media also practice sexism which reinforce stereotypes. Wage and job discrimination is illegal under the Equal Pay Act of 1963 an the Civil Rights Act of 1964, yet they continue to exist. About 3,000 charges of sex incrimination are filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission each year.