10 mark question on patriarchy in school PDF

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10 mark question on how patriarchy is evident in school, achieved 10/10...

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Applying material from item a analyse two ways school reinforces a patriarchal society (10 marks) One way in which school reinforces a patriarchal society is through subject choices and the gender attatched to specific subjects by society. This supports item A’s suggestion that girls and boys respond to society’s norms of a specific gender studying a certain subject, for example girls to study food technology and the norms of a specific gender not studying certain subjects, for example, girls to not study science subjects. This can be further evidenced by Colley (1998) who reviewed the idea there are still gender differences in subject choice in schools, she found that despite all the social changes in recent decades (which a liberal feminist would argue must be considered when arguing school reinforces a patriarchal society as soiecty has largely progressed since then) traditional definitions of masculinity and femininity were still widespread. Heaton and Lawson (1996) argue the hidden curriculum is a major source or gender socialisation, within education, various subjects are aimed at girls doing homework and cooking. Radical feminists believe through schools title of ‘food technology’ they argue it’s designed to ‘snare’ girls into adopting a mode of behaviour patriarchal society accept and that the gap between girls and boys is still existent in education today and this is evident of a patriarchal society which school reinforces through subject choices. However, Norman (1998) points out before children even begin school, gender socialisation has already begun from the dolls they play with, reinforcing feministic roles, for example, dolls now come with pretend make up and some with aprons on them and mini kitchens for girls to play with. This may affect a girl’s educational aspirations. Another way school reinforces a patriarchal society, a radical feminist would argue, is through the normalisation of inequality in school which supports Item A’s suggestion that sexist acts have become normalised. Spencer (1980) argues teachers throughout school give boys and girls different types of attention, girls are praised for appearance, good behaviour and neat work. Due to this inequality, it is arguable boys are better set out for life, education and the workforce form the moment they are born due to their sex. This goes against the idea of meritocracy and encourages the idea of self-fulfilling prophecy and discrimination. A radical feminist may argue the illusion of meritocracy in education can lead to a false consciousness among women that if they end up in less well-paid jobs than men it is a fair outcome. However, some feminists look at society on a macro scale and generalise their idea about men. This can also be evaluated by Sue Sharpe’s study which found girls today were much more likely to focus on educational achievement and career progression rather than home and family – which was the focus of their mothers and grandmothers....