Feminist view on education

What view do feminists take of education?

Conflict view

What do feminists see education as transmitting?

Patriarchal values, reproducing gender inequalities

Who do feminists agree with about schools transmitting norms/values?

Functionalists and Marxists

Who do feminists disagree with about values being neutral?

Functionalists—feminists say values benefit men

How do feminists extend the Marxist critique?

Education doesn't just serve capitalism—it also reinforces patriarchy

What "masculine" traits do schools reward?

Assertiveness and competitiveness

What do Heaton & Lawson (1996) say the hidden curriculum teaches?

Patriarchal values

What are the four types of feminism on education?

Liberal, Radical, Marxist, Difference

How does the hidden curriculum sustain male dominance?

Traditional family structures in textbooks, gender-stereotyped subjects, gender divisions in PE/sport, gender division of labour in staffing

What did Sue Sharpe (1994/1996) find about girls' aspirations?

Shift from marriage/family goals (1970s) to career goals (1990s)

How do Marxist feminists link gender and class inequality?

Working-class girls face dual disadvantages—patriarchy intertwined with capitalism

What do difference feminists argue about girls' experiences?

Not all girls share same experiences—different experiences with ethnicity, class, disability, sexuality

Strength: What legal changes did feminist research influence?

Equal Pay Act 1970, Sex Discrimination Act 1976

Strength: What school initiatives developed from feminist research?

Anti-sexism training, STEM encouragement for girls

Strength: What is intersectional awareness?

Recognises diversity among girls—tailored approaches for minority-ethnic and working-class girls

Criticism: What is the "apparent female success" problem?

Girls get better qualifications but still face invisible barriers in top jobs

Criticism: What does radical feminism overlook?

Differences across schools and individual experiences—paints all schooling as oppressive

Criticism: What is the focus on girls only problem?

Ignores areas where boys struggle, e.g. lower attainment in some subjects

Comparison: How do feminists and Marxists differ?

Marxists focus on class; feminists focus on gender—though Marxist feminists combine both

Comparison: How do liberal and radical feminists differ on solutions?

Liberal: remove barriers for equal chances; Radical: schools embed patriarchal ideology, need fundamental change