Gender and subject choice

Question 2

What subjects do boys tend to opt for in education?

Answer 2

Boys tend to opt for subjects like maths and physics

This trend reflects a traditional pattern of subject choice based on gender.

Question 3

What subjects do girls tend to choose in education?

Answer 3

Girls are more likely to choose modern languages

This trend reflects a traditional pattern of subject choice based on gender.

Question 4

What is indicated by the term ‘gender routes’ in the education system?

Answer 4

Boys and girls tend to follow different paths or choices through the education system

This highlights the influence of gender on subject selection.

Question 5

What is a compulsory subject in the National Curriculum?

Answer 5

Design and technology is a compulsory subject

Despite being compulsory, subject choices within this area differ by gender.

Question 6

Which area do girls typically choose in design and technology?

Answer 6

Girls tend to go for food technology

This choice contrasts with boys’ preferences in the same subject area.

Question 7

Which area do boys typically choose in design and technology?

Answer 7

Boys tend to opt for graphic and resistance materials

This choice contrasts with girls’ preferences in the same subject area.

Question 8

In AS and A levels, what subjects do boys generally choose?

Answer 8

Boys tend to opt for maths and physics

This trend continues from earlier educational choices.

Question 9

In AS and A levels, what subjects do girls generally choose?

Answer 9

Girls choose sociology, English, and languages

This reflects a gendered pattern in subject selection.

Question 10

What is the statistic regarding boys in childcare apprenticeships?

Answer 10

Only one in 100 childcare apprentices is a boy

This statistic highlights the significant gender disparity in vocational courses.

Question 11

True or False: Boys and girls have the same subject preferences in education.

Answer 11

False

There is a traditional pattern where boys and girls choose different subjects.

Question 12

What do Murphy and Elwood argue about gender socialisation?

Answer 12

Differences in gender socialisation lead to different tastes in reading and these can lead to differences in subject choice.

This suggests that socialisation impacts educational and career paths.

Question 13

What are gender domains?

Answer 13

The things seen as ‘territory’ for each gender.

Examples include mending a car for males and caring for a sick child for females.

Question 14

What type of books do boys tend to read?

Answer 14

Hobby books which develop interest in the sciences.

This reading preference is linked to traditional male interests.

Question 15

What type of books do girls tend to read?

Answer 15

Stories about people which leads to interest in English.

This reflects traditional female interests and socialisation.

Question 16

True or False: Gender socialisation is static and does not change over time.

Answer 16

False

Due to the changing position of women, gender socialisation is now changing.

Question 17

What is a common perception regarding science as a subject?

Answer 17

Science is often seen as a boy’s subject.

Question 18

Who conducted research on why science is perceived as a boy’s subject?

Answer 18

Kelly.

Question 19

What did Kelly find regarding the demographics of science teachers?

Answer 19

Science teachers are often male.

Question 20

How do boys typically interact with science apparatus according to the findings?

Answer 20

Boys often dominate apparatus and the lab as though it was ‘theirs’.

Question 21

According to Colley (1998), why is computer studies seen as masculine?

Answer 21

It involves working with machines and rarely includes group work.

Question 22

What type of school environment leads to less stereotyped subject images among pupils?

Answer 22

Single-sex schools.

Question 23

What did Leonard (2006) discover about girls in girls’ schools compared to those in mixed schools?

Answer 23

Girls in girls’ schools were more likely to take maths and science A levels.

Question 24

What study supports Leonard’s findings about girls in single-sex schools?

Answer 24

Institute of Physics study.

Question 25

What initiatives encourage girls to study non-gender-based subjects?

Answer 25

WISE and GIST.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Colley notes that computer studies is seen as masculine because it involves working with _______.

Answer 26

machines.

Question 27

True or False: Pupils from single-sex schools tend to hold more traditional subject choices.

Answer 27

False.

Question 28

What can peer pressure influence in terms of education?

Answer 28

Subject choice in terms of gender domains ## Footnote Peer pressure can lead students to choose subjects that align with traditional gender roles.

Question 29

Why do boys tend to opt out of dance and music?

Answer 29

Because these subjects are perceived as outside the male gender domain and face negative pressure ## Footnote This perception can discourage boys from participating in these activities.

Question 30

What does Paetcher suggest about girls showing interest in sports?

Answer 30

They may be labeled ‘butch’ or ‘gay’ if they show too much interest ## Footnote This reflects societal norms regarding gender and sports.

Question 31

What recent trend has been observed regarding subject choice among students?

Answer 31

Students are now picking subjects not traditionally associated with their gender domain ## Footnote For example, girls are choosing PE and boys are choosing Health and Social Care.

Question 32

Which theory would argue that students are now picking subjects outside their gender domains?

Answer 32

A theory that emphasizes changing social norms and individual choice ## Footnote This suggests a shift from traditional gender roles in education.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: Peer pressure can lead to boys opting out of _______ and _______ due to gender perceptions.

Answer 33

dance, music

Question 34

True or False: Girls are often encouraged to participate in sports without any negative labels.

Answer 34

False ## Footnote Girls showing strong interest in sports often face negative labeling.

Question 35

What does it mean that employment is highly gendered?

Answer 35

Jobs tend to be sex-typed as ‘men’s’ or ‘women’s’. ## Footnote This indicates that certain professions are perceived as suitable for one gender over another.

Question 36

What percentage of women's employment falls within how many categories?

Answer 36

Over half of all women’s employment falls within only four categories: clerical, secretarial, personal services, and cleaning occupations. ## Footnote These categories highlight the limited scope of job opportunities for women.

Question 37

How does sex-typing of occupations affect students' subject choices?

Answer 37

It affects boys’ and girls’ ideas about what kind of jobs are possible or acceptable, making them less likely to choose subjects relevant to female jobs. ## Footnote This can limit career aspirations based on gender norms.

Question 38

Why are vocational courses more gender-specific?

Answer 38

Vocational courses are more closely linked to students’ career plans, which are influenced by gender norms. ## Footnote This reflects societal expectations regarding gender roles in the workforce.

Question 39

What other factor, besides gender, affects career opportunities?

Answer 39

Class plays a greater role. ## Footnote This suggests that socioeconomic background can influence career choices and opportunities.

Question 40

What influence does working-class habitus have on vocational course decisions?

Answer 40

Working-class pupils may make decisions about vocational courses based on their working-class habitus. ## Footnote This concept relates to the social and cultural background that shapes individuals' choices.

Question 41

What types of jobs did the girls in Fuller’s (2011) study aspire to?

Answer 41

Jobs like childcare or hair and beauty. ## Footnote This reflects their sense of realistic expectations based on their social identity.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: Over half of all women’s employment falls within only ______ categories.

Answer 42

four categories. ## Footnote These categories include clerical, secretarial, personal services, and occupations such as cleaning.

Question 43

True or False: Boys and girls are equally likely to choose subjects relevant to female jobs.

Answer 43

False. ## Footnote Gender norms influence the likelihood of choosing certain subjects.