Assignment task:
In response to your peers: Compare your experiences in the educational system to that of your peers. Analyze why they may be similar or different by looking at factors beyond gender (e.g., race, class, location).
1. Throughout my educational journey, I have encountered several instances where the education system has inadvertently reinforced traditional gender roles. One example is the lack of representation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. From a young age, girls are often discouraged from pursuing careers in these male-dominated fields. As a result, many girls may not even consider STEM as a viable option for their future careers, perpetuating the stereotype that these fields are not for women.
Another example of how the education system promotes gender roles is through the curriculum itself. In many textbooks and class materials, women are often portrayed in traditional roles such as caregivers, teachers, or nurses, while men are depicted as leaders, scientists, and inventors. This limited representation can send the message to students that certain professions are only suitable for individuals of a certain gender, further perpetuating gender stereotypes and limiting opportunities for both boys and girls. Overall, it is crucial for educators and policymakers to critically examine the ways in which the education system can unintentionally reinforce gender roles and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.
"Some studies suggest that boys' schools may reinforce hypermasculinity (exaggerated male stereotypical behaviour) but there is little comparative evidence. There is also conflicting evidence on whether girls' schools challenge stereotypes about girls' capabilities or reinforce conventional norms, as noted by Unterhalter et al. (2014). In both cases, the extent to which they challenge or reinforce discrimination reflects the school's ethos and its commitment to gender equality, rather than whether boys and girls are educated together. "
Question for the class: what should we do as the parents of the next generation do to help the school system?
2. The educational system promotes gender roles of equality by giving the students a choice which major they want to study.
ex1) When I was in highschool 32 years ago. I met other students at that time and their major in highschool was nursing different genders attending that program to be in that future career.
ex 2) In the gender stereotypes and ed video, it states boys slope to math and science but in my daughters class the girls are learning math and science better than the boys.
ex3) Also, stating in the video girls anticipate to study socialcaspects of human culture. Where today woman learn information that can help them sustain and grow at different levels at their job or career.
With gender in the equation do you think it's hard for a person to follow their dreams of career? Why?