gender and subject choice

Question 1

what subjects do boys and girls typically choose?

Answer 1

boys - maths, physics, economics, computing
girls - english, arts, history, biology

Question 2

what are the 3 explanations of for why boys and girls choose different subjects?

Answer 2

gender role socialisation
gendered subject images
gender identity and peer pressure

Question 3

what is gender role socialisation?

Answer 3

process of learning the behaviour expected of males and females in society

Question 4

what does Norman propose?

Answer 4

from an early age boys and girls are dressed differently, given different toys and encouraged to take part in different activities

Question 5

what does Byrne propose?

Answer 5

Teachers encourage boys to be tough and strong whereas girls are expected to be quiet and helpful.

Question 6

what do Murphy and Elwood show?

Answer 6

boys and girls develop different tastes in reading which leads to different subject choices

Question 7

what does Kelly argue about gendered subject images?

Answer 7

Science is seen as a boys subject because:
- Science teachers more likely to be men
- Boys monopolise apparatus and dominate the lab
- Involves working with machines - part of the male gender domain

Question 8

peer pressure

Answer 8

subject choices can be influenced by peer pressure. other students may apply pressure to an individual if they disapprove with their choice. for example, boys tend to opt out of music and dance due to fear of embarrassment.