feminist view of education

What do liberal feminists believe about education?

Liberal feminists believe education has become more equal over time due to changes in laws, policies, and attitudes toward gender.

Which sociologist argued girls’ achievement improved because of changes in society?

Sue Sharpe

What did Sue Sharpe discover in her research?

In the 1970s girls prioritised marriage and family, but by the 1990s they focused more on careers and independence.

How has the feminist movement affected girls in educatio

It has increased aspirations, confidence, and opportunities for girls.

What educational policies helped girls achieve more?

Equal Opportunities policies, the National Curriculum, and GIST/WISE programmes encouraging girls into science and technology.

What is GIST?

Girls Into Science and Technology — a programme encouraging girls to study STEM subjects.

What is WISE?

Women Into Science and Engineering — a campaign promoting female participation in STEM careers.

How have teacher attitudes changed according to liberal feminists?

Teachers are less likely to stereotype girls as less capable

What is a criticism of liberal feminism?

Marxist and radical feminists argue inequality still exists and patriarchy remains in education.

What do radical feminists believe about education?

Education remains patriarchal and benefits males more than females.

What does patriarchy mean?

A system where men hold power and women are oppressed.

How can schools reinforce patriarchy?

Through sexist language, stereotypes, and male-dominated structures

What did radical feminists say about the hidden curriculum?

It teaches girls to be passive, obedient, and accept traditional gender roles.

How are subject choices linked to patriarchy?

Girls are encouraged into “feminine” subjects while boys are pushed toward science and leadership subjects.

What did radical feminists argue about male teachers?

Senior leadership positions are often male-dominated, reinforcing male authority.

What is sexual harassment in schools evidence of for radical feminists?

Evidence that schools reflect wider patriarchal oppression.

What is a criticism of radical feminism?

Girls now outperform boys in many areas, suggesting education is not entirely male dominated.

What do Marxist feminists believe about education?

Education reproduces both patriarchy and capitalism.

How does education benefit capitalism according to Marxist feminists?

It prepares women for low-paid, subordinate work.

Why are women useful to capitalism?

They provide cheap labour and unpaid domestic labour at home.

How does education prepare girls for exploitation?

Through gendered subject choices and expectations about caring roles.

What is the “dual system” Marxist feminists talk about?

Women are oppressed by both capitalism and patriarchy.

What is gender socialisation?

The process of learning gender roles and expectations.

What is the hidden curriculum?

Unofficial lessons taught in school through routines, interactions, and expectations.

What are gender stereotypes in education?

Fixed ideas about what boys and girls are naturally good at or interested in.

Give examples of “feminine” subjects.

Health and Social Care, English, Sociology.

Give examples of “masculine” subjects.

Physics, Engineering, Computer Science.

What evidence supports feminist views that girls have improved in education?

Girls generally achieve higher grades and stay in education longer than boys.

Why might feminism exaggerate gender inequality today?

Many schools actively challenge sexism and promote equality.

How do intersectional feminists criticise feminism?

They argue class and ethnicity also affect educational achievement, not just gender.

What is an example of continuing inequality despite girls’ achievement?

Women are still underrepresented in STEM careers and leadership positions.

Why is feminism important in sociology of education?

It highlights how gender inequality is created and challenged within schools.

Sue Sharpe

View: Girls’ ambitions changed over time.

1970s findings:

• Girls prioritised marriage and family.

• Careers seen as secondary.

1990s findings:

• Girls valued careers, independence, and education more.

• Feminism changed female aspirations.

Criticism:

• Focuses too much on progress and ignores continuing inequalities.

Jo Boaler

View: Equal opportunities policies helped reduce gender inequality in schools.

Examples:

• More encouragement for girls in STEM.

• Less sexist teaching materials.

Criticism:

• Policies have not fully removed gender stereotypes or subject segregation.

Dale Spender

View: Schools are patriarchal institutions.

Key ideas:

• Men dominate knowledge and education.

• Teachers often give boys more attention.

• Women’s achievements are undervalued.

Criticism:

• Some studies show girls now receive positive attention because teachers see them as hardworking.

Becky Francis

View: Gender stereotypes still shape subject choice and behaviour.

Findings:

• Boys seen as naturally disruptive but clever.

• Girls viewed as hardworking and organised.

Criticism:

• Francis may overstate the importance of gender when class and ethnicity also affect achievement.

Michele Barrett

View: Education reproduces both capitalism and patriarchy.

Key ideas:

• Girls are prepared for low-paid work and domestic roles.

• Schools help maintain women’s economic dependence.

Criticism:

• Many women now enter professional careers, challenging the idea education only prepares them for subordination.

Angela McRobbie

View: Media and education reinforce traditional femininity.

Key ideas:

• Girls are pressured to focus on appearance and relationships.

• Schools can reproduce stereotypical female identities.

Criticism:

• Modern female identities are more diverse than McRobbie suggests.

What is the main criticism of feminism in education?

Feminists focus too heavily on gender and may ignore class and ethnicity.

How do postmodernists criticise feminists?

They argue female experiences are too diverse for one explanation

How do anti-feminists criticise feminism today?

They argue boys are now underachieving more than girls.

What evidence challenges feminist views of oppression in education?

Girls outperform boys at most levels of education.

Why do some sociologists say feminism is still relevant?

Subject choices, leadership inequality, and sexism in schools still exist.