Gender - External Factors (Differences in Achievement)

Question 1

Impact of feminism

Answer 1

Feminist movement had success in improving women’s rights -> opportunities through changes -> this has raised women’s expectations and self esteem aa they see more female role models.

Question 2

Changes in the family

Answer 2

Since 1970’s there has been many changes in family
-an increase in cohabitation and decrease in number of first marriages
-an increase in number of lone-parent families and divorce rate
=husbands are unreliable, encouragement to make own fortune
=increase of female headed lone parent families = taking on breadwinner role -> creating new role models for girls

Question 3

Changes in women’s employment

Answer 3

-Equal pay act & - Pay gap reduction
-More women in employment & -More women have access to high-level professional jobs
These changes encouraged girls to have a future in paid work
-More incentives for girls to gain qualifications

Question 4

Girls changing ambitions

Answer 4

Family & employment changes -> changes in girls ambitions
Sharpe - 1974- Girls had low aspirations and limited success. They prioritised husbands & children. 1990- Girls prioritise supporting themselves through careers independently.
Beck-to achieve independence & self sufficiency -> Girls have recognised the need for education.

Question 5

Equal opportunities policies

Answer 5

• Policy makers more aware of gender issues and avoid gender stereotyping
• Girls and boys entitled to same opportunities is not part of main stream & influences educational policies
• GIST (Girls in Science & Technology)
• WISE (Girls in Science & Engineering)
• > help to encourage girls purse careers in non traditional areas.