Feminist views on the role of education. (part of the topic of conflict theories of education) Flashcards
Who do feminist sociologists agree with what the education system does to an extend ?
Marxists and Functionalists. All see the education system as teaching a particular set of norms and values into the students. HOWEVER, instead of seeing this as a neutral value consensus, feminists see the education system as teaching patriarchal values.
What did Heaton and Lawson (1996) argue ?
That the hidden curriculum taught patriarchal values in schools, with subjects aimed towards specific genders, gender divisions in sport, labour in schools.
What would liberal feminists think of the modern day education system ?
That despite spotting the issues of patriarchy in the education system, there have been significant strides towards equality in the education system such as all subjects being open to pupils, girls outperforming boys in education.
What would radical feminists think of the modern day education system ?
Argue that the education system is still patriarchal and continues to marginalise and oppress women. This is done through the processes of the formal and hidden curriculum, normalising the oppression and marginalisation of women.
What would black and difference feminists think of the modern day education system ?
Point out that not all girls have the same experience in education, and that minority ethnic girls are often victims of specific stereotyping and assumptions.
What did Michelle Stanworth (1983) find ?
Noted how there are still higher expectations of boys from teachers, and would be more likely to be recommended for higher education than girls at the same academic level.
What did Sue Sharpe (1996) find ?
Found that London schoolgirls in the 1970’s had completely different aspirations and priorities (such as marriage and family) in comparison to girls in 1996 (careers).
What acts contributed to Sue Sharpe’s findings ?
The 1970 Equal Pay Act, 1976 Sex Discrimination Act.
What do all feminists agree on ?
That the education system does work as an agency of secondary socialisation which teaches girls and boys what are seen as being the universal norms (values, gender scripts) and that by learning these values prevents social change and challenges to patriarchy.
What are two features of contemporary education that critics of feminist views point out ?
- the education system is an increasingly female dominated sector.
- the education system is increasingly resulting in female success and male underperformance.
Whose theory is seen to be outdated according to critics ?
Michelle Stanworth (1983) as the education system is sending more and more girls into higher education.
Despite their being truth in what these critics are saying what are 2 concepts that still remain ?
The glass ceiling and gender pay gap, so that despite the education system creating lots of highly qualified girls, they are still loosing out on their male peers when it comes to top jobs, higher incomes.
What are women still more likely to do in terms of if they have children ?
Take time off for child - rearing (bringing them up), working part time, carry out majority of household tasks.
What do feminists point out about the differences between women and men in terms of jobs, pay, housework / child work in terms of the education system ?
This is all normalised within the education system, so even highly qualified women accept this as inevitable / normal that men get better jobs, higher pay and men are also socialised to consider all of these factors to be normal.
What themes do feminists views on education link to ?
Socialisation, (conflict theorists see education as a major agent of socialisation), stratification and power (instead of being neutral, conflict theorists see these values / norms coming from those in power, used to serve wealthy interests, maintain social stratification)
