Gender and Subject choice

Question 1

What does Norman argue about gender and subject choice? (Primary socialization)

Answer 1

Norman states that from early ages, boys and girls are brought up with different things, this socialisation teaches what is expected of men and women in society. Girls are more likely to pick english and boys science cause of the different books they read for example

Question 2

What does Murphy argue about gender and subject choice? (Class details)

Answer 2

Murphy found boys and girls pay attention to different details in class, girls focus on feelings, boys focus on how things are made/work. Similarly science teachers are more likely to be male and textbooks are more likely to be to a boys interest than girls

Question 3

What does Dewar argue about gender and subject choice? (Peer pressure)

Answer 3

Dewar found girls are called lesbian for showing too much interest in sports, in this way peers police subject choice and stick to traditional domain.

Question 4

How do gendered careers affect subject choice?

Answer 4

Certain careers are seen widely as male or female e.g nursing. This strongly affects children’s views of what socially acceptable vocational choices are.

Question 5

How does career advice affect subject choice?

Answer 5

Teachers and career advisors may reflect their own gender role stereotypes when giving advice to students, students may have a less traditional gender socialisation but be encouraged into more traditional roles in the future