External Factors For Gender Gap In Education

Question 1

How has the ‘Impact of Feminism’ created a Gender Gap in Education?

Answer 1

• Feminism granted more equal rights + opportunities
• Raised girls expectations + ambitions
• Girls rethink self-image + aspirations

Question 2

How have ‘Changes in Employment’ created a Gender Gap in Education?

Answer 2

• Changes in legislation E.g. 1970 Equal Pay Act + 1975 Sex Discrimination Act
• Greater necessity in qualifications
• Greater career opportunities
• Exposure to successful career women

Question 3

What is Sue Sharpe’s Study on ‘Changing Ambitions?’

Answer 3

• Sue Sharpe; Conducted research of WC girls in London Comprehensive School
• WC girls viewed educational success as unfeminine
• 1994; Sharpe repeated her sample + found WC girls were far more aspirational

Question 4

How have the ‘Changes in Ambitions’ created a Gender Gap in Education?

Answer 4

• Francis; Today girls are rejecting traditional female roles + understand the importance of education
• Fuller; Educational success was a central aspect of girls’ identities

Question 5

How have ‘Changes in the Family’ created a Gender Gap in Education?

Answer 5

• Increase in Divorce, Cohabitation, SPFs + Decrease in Marriages have impacted girl’s attitudes to education
• Take on a ‘Breadwinner role’ + seek qualifications