Gender Identities and Working Class Girls

Question 1

What are the 4 gender identity theories which seek to reinforce traditional gender identities within schools?

Answer 1

• double standards
  -verbal abuse
• male gaze
  -disciplining pupils
• peer groups

Question 2

According to Lees (1983), how is there a double standard of sexual behaviour?

Answer 2

Boys are able to boast about their sexual conquests whereas girls are quickly labelled ‘slags’. Teachers will turn a blind eye to boys being sexually active but won’t to boys. This is a form of social control in which men gain dominance for being sexually active

Question 3

According to Mac an Ghaill (1997), what is the male gaze?

Answer 3

Female students are objectified by male members of staff and students, who look down on them based on their level of attractiveness. Female students are often therefore under more scrutiny over their uniform and are judged over their appearance

Question 4

According to Lees (1993), how does verbal abuse reinforce traditional gender identities?

Answer 4

Use of language against other gender for the way they dress and act. Girls labelled as slags if they are sexually free or frigid or lesbian if the other way.

Question 5

According to Haywood (1996), how does disciplining reinforce traditional gender identities?

Answer 5

teachers use gendered language when disciplining pupils. ‘Stop behaving like girls’ or ‘man up’ reinforces the view that girls are inferior.

Question 6

According to Mac an Ghaill (1994), how do male and female peer groups reinforce traditional gender identities?

Answer 6

They police each others behaviour. Working class boys are macho looking down on middle class achievers

Girls have to balance being loyal to other girls whilst being sexualised. Can lead to problems. A boffin identity is when a girl is too academic