Feminism & Education Flashcards
What is the feminist view on education? (3)
They argue that the role of education is a disadvantage for girls.
Education maintains a patriarchal ideology which operates through the androcentric curriculum leading girls to move to lower paid jobs in society.
Radical feminists argue that girls will experience institutionalised sexism which reinforces the masculine identities subordinating women.
How does the education system promote patriarchal ideology? (2)
A study by TeachFirst found no mention of any women in the DfE ‘biology, chemistry and physics subject content; or its combined science content’ which were only updated in 2019.
They discovered that of three double science GCSE specifications from major exam boards, only Rosalind Franklin and Mary Leakey are mentioned compared to over 40 male scientists who are mentioned by names or have concepts for them.
How are girls victims of institutional sexism?
Double standards
Male gaze
Verbal abuse
Male peer groupsW
What does Weiner argue?
The secondary school history curriculum is a ‘woman-free zone’.
What is double standards? (2)
It exists when we apply a set of standards to one group but a different set to another group.
E.G: Lees argues that boys boast about their sexual exploits but call a girl a ‘slag’ when she does the same thing.
This justifies male power and devalues women.
What is verbal abuse? (2)
Boys use name calling to put girls down if they dress or behave in a certain way.
This is used to maintain male power and their function is to reinforce gender norms and identities.
What is the male gaze? (2)
Mac an Ghaill argue that male pupils and teachers look girls up and down, seeing them as sexual objects and making judgements about their appearance.
They see this as a form of surveillance and mascuilinity is reinforce and femininity is devalued.
What is male peer groups?
They reinforce their definitions of masculinity. E.G: male pupils in anti-school subcultures often accuse boys who want to do well in school of being gay.
What are criticisms of feminism? (2)
Liberal feminists would argue that there are different laws and policies that now help women in the workforce. E.g; The Equal Pay Act. They also acknowledge patriarchy and find ways to challenge it.
They ignore different experiences of men, like being asked to man up or showing emotions.
