as consisting of both micro and macro aspects. In the past, sociological theorists tended to focus on either one level or the other and thereby reached conclusions regarding social stratification which were incomplete at best. Contemporary feminist theory, on the other hand, has sought to rectify these two levels in its analysis of human society. For example, the positioning of women at the low end of the social structure can be blamed in part on the microscopic forces which are found at the back of people's attitudes and values. Thus, traditional beliefs and sex-role expectations among both men and women contribute very strongly to the continuance of gender stratification. These traditional beliefs are perpetuated throughout society by being passed on from generation to
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