Random Variable

There’s some good work coming out of Germany on gender inequality, and the differences in well-being between socialism and capitalism. Beck and Beck-Gernsheim’s works are probably the more pessimistic readings of the consequences of modernity on gender inequality. However, via The Guardian (via Global Sociology), comes an interesting story of female migration from East Germany to West Germany. The result is a massive gender imbalance, depopulation, and environmental change. The reasons?

• Communist socialization where women were encouraged to seek diverse careers whereas men were pushed towards industrial jobs that are no longer available.
• The gender bias in schools where most of the staff is composed of women, and therefore the environment is more favorable to women. (oh please)
• Biology makes women do better in school: they mature earlier and work harder (yeah… to get the hell out of losertown).
• East German women simply find that Western German men meet their higher expectations better (it all goes back to the rational choice theory combined with the marriage market)

On the downside, a nazi does a lonely man make. *cough* Polanyi *cough*