How does education reinforce hegemonic gender identities

Question 1

What are the six key areas of Education reinforcing Hegemonic Gender Identities?

Answer 1

1. Through a hidden curriculum
2. Through gendered verbal behaviour – Francis
3. Through gendered physical behaviour – Francis
4. Through gendered pursuits – Francis, Mac an Ghail
5. Through classroom behaviour & power - Francis
6. Through role of teachers - Francis

Question 2

Does the processes within the education system reinforce and reproduce gender identities?

Answer 2

Yes

The processes within the education system reinforce and reproduce gender identities, and particularly reinforcing elements of patriarchal control of males over females.

Question 3

What did Francis note in 2005 about Education and the reinforcing of Hegemonic Gender Identity?

Answer 3

Francis (2005) notes that gender is an important part of our social identity and fitting in at school often means conforming to gender stereotypes. Those who fail to conform to these stereotypes will face negative labelling (stigmatisation) and marginalised and potentially bullied.

Question 4

What does the term Hidden Curriculum mean in terms of Gender Identity in the Education environment?

Answer 4

The hidden curriculum is the process whereby attitudes and behaviour are taught informally through the school’s organisation and teacher’s attitudes. It is not taught in the formal curriculum, but is taught informally and reinforces and perpetuates stereotypical attitudes towards masculine and feminine identities.

Question 5

What do Feminists argue about recent progress in Gender Identity in Education?

Answer 5

Feminists argue that whilst there have been changes in the achievement of girls, especially at GCSE level, the hidden curriculum still operates to control their identities as being subordinate to boys. Therefore, schools, as an institution, is patriarchal and can impact negatively on the formation of girl’s identity.

Question 6

Hidden Curriculum Block 1:

School Organisation
Boys Gender Identity

Answer 6

Head teacher/Management structure is dominated by men.
Uniform: Trousers, Tie
Dinner Ladies/Cooks: Not boy’s domain?

Question 7

Hidden Curriculum Block 2:

School Organisation
Girls Gender Identity

Answer 7

Lack of female head teachers and management.
Uniform: Skirt, blouse
Dinner Ladies/Cooks: Girls domain?

Question 8

Hidden Curriculum Block 3:

Subject Choice
Boys Gender Identity

Answer 8

Encouraged to do science and computing
Progress encouraged more
Career advice centred on banking, engineering, doctor etc.
Teachers discipline boys more strictly and harshly. Seen as disruptive.

Question 9

Hidden Curriculum Block 4:

Subject Choice
Girls Gender Identity

Answer 9

Encouraged to do caring/beauty courses
Progress not encouraged as much
Career advice centred on caring industries
Seen as less disruptive. Treated less harshly by teachers.

Question 10

Hidden Curriculum Block 5:

Teacher Attitudes
Boys Gender Identity

Answer 10

Encouraged by teachers and parents to choose electronics, economics, graphics, woodwork, science.
Leads to Horizontal and vertical segregation
Sport: Football, Rugby, Cricket

Question 11

Hidden Curriculum Block 6:

Teacher Attitudes
Girls Gender Identity

Answer 11

Encouraged by teachers and parents to take arts subjects, drama, English literature, Health and Social Care, Sociology etc.
Leads to Horizontal and vertical segregation
Sport: Hockey, Netball

Question 12

Hidden Curriculum Block 7:

Language
Boys Gender Identity

Answer 12

Connotations around being strong, dominant, powerful, macho, aggressive.
Teachers use harsher language

Question 13

Hidden Curriculum Block 8:

Language
Girls Gender Identity

Answer 13

Connotations of prettiness, beauty, appearance.
Teachers use less harsh language