Feminist Views of Education Flashcards
What do feminists argue?
Feminists argue that schools reproduce patriarchal ideology – encouraging children to think that men should be dominant and superior. Male dominance becomes normalised; children think it is OK, even natural, for men to occupy the most powerful positions in society
What’s the male gaze?
male teachers and boys ‘look girls up and down’, making judgements about girls’ appearance.
Girls think it is normal to look good for men, keeping women subordinate (second) to men. Radical Feminists would argue that the male gaze reproduces and legitimates the objectification of women – the view that women are sexual objects for male pleasure.
Why is A Level Physics remains male-dominated
very few girls study A Level Physics. Girls are discouraged, believing they need a “boy brain” and only boys are naturally good at Physics. Consequently, men continue to dominate high status, well paid jobs that come from studying Physics
Explain why is school leadership is male-dominated?
the majority of Head Teachers are male, while most teachers are female. This encourages the idea that men are the people in charge.
What are the uniform policies on skirt length?
some schools place girls in isolation because their skirts are too short. Skirts must fall on the knee; otherwise, it is inappropriate and may distract the boys from their learning! This reproduces male-dominance, prioritising boys’ learning.
