Explanations Of Gender Subject Choice

Question 1

What are the Explanations for Gendered Subject Choice? (PEGG)

Answer 1

• Early socialisation
• Gendered subject images
• Peer pressure
• Gendered career opportunities

Question 2

How has ‘Early Socialisation’ impacted Subject Choice?

Answer 2

• Norman; Boys + girls are treated differently/encouraged to par-take in gendered subjects + careers
• Murphy + Elwood; Boys prefer information books while girls read stories on people, explaining subject choice
• Browne + Ross; ‘Gender domains’ shape early experiences + influence subject choice

Question 3

How has ‘Gendered Subject Images’ impacted Subject Choice?

Answer 3

• Kelly; Science is seen as a boys’ subject as science teachers tend to be male
• Leonard; Analysed 13,000 pupils found girls in girls’ schools were much more likely to take maths + science A-Levels

Question 4

How has ‘Peer Pressure’ impacted Subject Choice?

Answer 4

• Paetcher; Pupils view sport mainly falling within the male gender domain, ‘sporty’ girls cope with a contradictory identity
• Girls are more likely than boys to opt out of sports

Question 5

How has ‘Gendered Career Opportunities’ impacted Subject Choice?

Answer 5

• Over 1/2 women’s employment falls into 4 Categories: Clerical, Secretarial, Personal services + Occupations like cleaning
• 1/6 Male employment fall into the 4 Categories
• Vocational courses are more gendered specific than academic ones