FEMINIST views on education

What does feminism say about the education system?

It transmits patriarchal values which oppress women - students are socialised into gender stereotypes.

What do radical feminists say about education?

They think education is consciously oppressing women through the hidden curriculum.

What do marxist / difference feminists say about education?

They think class and ethnicity also play a factor in girls oppression and that each experience is different but girls are often victims of specific stereotyping.

What do liberal feminists say about education?

They think things are still unfair but focuHs mainly on how the situation for women is improving.

How do feminists say the school system could be improved?

Schools should promote girls to join STEM subjects.

How would functionalism criticise the feminist view?

Thinks inequality is legitimate and women are better suited to a childcaring role so shouldn’t be treated the same as men.

How would postmodernism criticise the feminist view?

The view is too macro - there is no general ‘female experience’ as everyone is different.

How does Kelly (1987) support the feminist view?

Shows how books / textbooks portray women as dependent on men or are just absent from science texts.

How does Culley (1986) support the feminist view?

Female students are being made to feeling uncomfortable in certain subjects due to male dominance e.g. computing.

How does Heaton and Lawson (1986) support the feminist view?

They argue that the hidden curriculum is a major source of gender socialisation.