1. Connect these with relevant scholars
Immediate activity
Define the following terms in a maximum of 15 words
Cultural capital
Material deprivation
Ethnocentric curriculum
Feminisation of education
Self exclusion
Bonus points
Connect these with relevant scholars

2. Today’s title: Gender and subject choice
To get you thinking….
1)Read the article you have been given and then answer the following questions…
How do men and women compare in terms of university applications?
What are the differences in terms of subjects?
What do you think are the possible reasons for these diffrences?

3. Subject Choice & Identity:
A key aspect of the Gender & Achievement Topic is to examine the differences in Subject Choice & Gender Identity of males & females.
Feminists have long argued that the education system makes sure that males and females stay unequal in British society.
Regardless of the improved position of females within education, there still seems to be a traditional ‘masculine’ & feminine’ divide when it comes to subject choices. This has interested sociologists as it suggests that, despite attempts to break down the gender gap within education, traditional gender identities are still extremely significant.
Boys & girls tend to choose different Subjects wherever possible i.e. Boys choosing Design & Technology whilst girls choose Food Technology.
Wikeley (1996):
These differences are also apparent in post-compulsory education where a significant amount of males opt for Maths & Physics at A-Level where as many girls choose English, Languages and…….Sociology.
In 2007, only 1/ 100 construction students were female – showing a divide in Vocational Areas also.

4. Do girls and boys really choose different subjects?
Using the table on page 60 identify the gender trends in subject choice at A level, you must use some statistical data in your answer.
Why is using A level data a more reliable source of information about gender and subject choice than GCSE data?
How can we use this data to question the effectiveness of schemes like GIST and WISE?

5. So why do girls and boys pick different subjects?
Reasons for gendered subject choice
But why????
Be more toddler: When you see a pattern or ‘social rule’ always ask but why???

6. This subject divide is explained by sociologists by examining 4 key areas:
1) Socialisation
These arguments suggest that, at a very young age, children are ‘shaped’ into ‘Gender-Roles. This is spurred on by the process of ‘Canalisation’.
Fiona Norman (1988) from an early age boys and girls are given different toys and encouraged to do different activities
Gender Socialisation is the process of learning the behaviour expected of males & females in society
Oakley (1973):
Elwood (1998):
Differences in socialisation leads to different attitudes towards & accordingly differences in subject choices between boys & girls.
Boys tend to read information texts whilst girls generally opt for novels & real-life stories.
Task: Now using page 60 explain why socialisation leads to different subject choices…

7. Immediate activity No notes, no books no discussion
Explain 3 reasons for differences in achievement according to gender (6 marks)

8. Explain the term ‘gender domains’
Delamont (2000):
From the earliest years girls are talked to and cuddled more, whilst boys are thrown around vigorously. Girls are seen as fragile, boys are not. Parents have different expectations of their children, socialised, play different games, expected to do different activities round the house.
2 mark question:
Explain the term ‘gender domains’
Carol Ross (1991): ‘Boys Don’t Cry’.
Socialisation teaches & reinforces ‘Gender Domains’.
Different tasks & expectations fall within either male or female domains. As such males/ females feel more confident within their set/ expected gender domain & thus choose different subjects.
Patricia Murphy (1991):
Boys & girls interpret tasks differently.
> Boys designed power boats & battleships / Girls designed cruise ships.
> Boys designed sports cars / Girls designed family cars.
> Boys focused on garage space in their adverts/ Girls on décor & kitchen design.
Murphy set 2 tasks for primary & secondary school pupils
Design boats/ vehicles
Write an estate agent advert for a house……………
P60

9. More information on page 61
2) Gender Identity & Image:
Many sociologists who study gendered subject choice argue that the subjects themselves have male/ female images.
> Science Teachers more likely to be male
> Textbooks & class examples usually draw on boys experiences & interests.
> Boys monopolise equipment & apparatus.
Kelly (1979): Science for Girls
More information on page 61
Colley (1998):
ICT / Computer based subjects are seen as masculine:
> Machines are part of the male gender domain
> Methodical & individual which appeals to boys.
In 2007 the DfES found that gendered subject image was not such a problem in same-sex schools & therefore subject choice varied greatly amongst pupils in these schools.
TASK: Go back to your questions from the article at the start and add in the sociological evidence which supports the idea that STEM SUBJECT are seen as a boy’s subject’

10. 4) Gendered Career Opportunities:
3) Peer Pressure:
Paetcher (1998):
Girls who choose sport are often stigmatised as it is seen to fall within the ‘Male Gender Domain’. Peer pressure exerts a huge influence over subject choice.
Dewar (1990):
In her US study she found that girls would be labelled as ‘Lesbian’ or ‘Butch’ if they got involved in sports.
This problem is lessened in same-sex schools where gender stereotypes are not so rigid.
4) Gendered Career Opportunities:
Subject choice might also be influenced by the gendered employment patterns.
Females are largely centred around four main areas (Clerical, Secretarial, Personal Services & Cleaning Work (men make up only 1/6 of workers in these areas.)
Males are heavily involved in vocational courses which lead to more practical work.

11. Gender, vocational choice and class.
Carol Fuller (2011)
Using page 62 explain the link Fuller makes between social class and gendered subject choices.
How are schools involved in creating these social class and gender expectations?

12. Exam question
Outline and explain two reasons why girls and boys choose to study different subjects (10 marks)