External factors and gender differences in achievement

Question 1

What are the four main external factors to gender differences in achievement?

Answer 1

1. Impact of feminism - McRobbie (1994)
2. Changes in the family - e.g. more lone parent households, increase in divorce
3. Changes in women’s employment - 1970 Equality Pay Act, 2023 - 72% women in paid work
4. Changes in girls’ ambitions - Sharpe 1974 vs 1990s, Fuller - creator of own future and meritocracy.

Question 2

State two critiques that can dispute the idea of women’s improving role in society?

Answer 2

Reay (1988) - w/c girls are blocked to the opportunities offered to m/c girls - go traditional gender roles since they are easily accessible and a symbol of status

Biggart (2002) - Motherhood = only viable option for w/c girls

Question 3

How did changes in girls magazines affect girls’ ambitions?

Answer 3

McRobbie (1994) - 1970s magazines focused on marriage and not being ‘left on the shelf’ vs 1990s image of the strong, independent woman

Question 4

How did girls’ changing ambitions shift from the 1970s to 90s according to Sue Sharpe (1994)? (interview)

Answer 4

1974 - priorities were ‘love, marriage and children’ VS 1990s - priorities shifted to their career and saw their future as an independent woman