Education - Feminist Perspectives

Question 1

What are all feminists views on education?

Answer 1

Feminism is one of the main reasons for improvement in education e.g. Sharpe & policies e.g. the 1975 sex discrimination act
Education works as an agent of secondary socialisation -> teaches boys & girls universal norms, values & gender scripts of the contemporary patriarchy (prevents social change & challenge of the patriarchy)

Question 2

What are liberal feminists views on education?

Answer 2

There are still issues in education but acknowledge significant strides towards equality in the education system

1940/50s -> girls had a higher pass rate than boys & most subjects institutionally set for one gender or the other (tripartite system) whereas now subjects are open for all students to take despite clear gender preferences

Since the 1980s -> girls outperform boys (if education is patriarchal, its failing)

Question 3

LIB: What did Stanworth say about boys’ expectations?

Answer 3

There are still higher expectations of them & teachers are still more likely to recommend boys to apply for higher education than girls of the same academic level

Question 4

What are radical feminists’ views on education?

Answer 4

The education system is still fundamentally patriarchal & continues to marginalise & oppress women
This is done through reinforcing patriarchal ideology through the formal & hidden curriculum & through normalising the marginalisation & oppression of women -> when girls leave school they see it as normal not patriarchal oppression

Research into sexual harassment in education found that is is not treated as seriously as other forms of bullying

Question 5

What are difference feminists’ views on education?

Answer 5

Not all girls have the same experience in education -> minority ethnic girls are often victims of stereotypes & assumptions

Question 6

What are some criticisms of the feminist perspective into education?

Answer 6

Education is an increasingly female dominated sector & increasingly results in girls’ success & male underperformance (the system is failing if it is patriarchal)
Education is sending more girls to higher education (stanworth’s research is outdated)\
Women are more likely to take time off for child-rearing (maternity leave) or work part time which education normalises & women & men accept it as inevitable & are socialised to believe it is normal