1. So why do girls and boys pick different subjects?
Mummy why do people keep buying me pink things? Can’t they tell I don’t like pastel colours!
Reasons for gendered subject choice
Your task: Using pages complete your mind map about gender and subject choice
You have 20 minutes only for this task
But why????
Be more toddler: When you see a pattern or ‘social rule’ always ask but why???

2. This subject divide is explained by sociologists by examining 4 key areas:
1) Socialisation
These arguments suggest that, at a very young age, children are ‘shaped’ into ‘Gender-Roles. This is spurred on by the process of ‘Canalisation’.
Fiona Norman (1988) from an early age boys and girls are given different toys and encouraged to do different activities
Gender Socialisation is the process of learning the behaviour expected of males & females in society
Oakley (1973):
Elwood (1998):
Differences in socialisation leads to different attitudes towards & accordingly differences in subject choices between boys & girls.
Boys tend to read information texts whilst girls generally opt for novels & real-life stories.
Task: Now using page 60 explain why socialisation leads to different subject choices…

3. Carol Ross (1991): ‘Boys Don’t Cry’.
Delamont (2000):
From the earliest years girls are talked to and cuddled more, whilst boys are thrown around vigorously. Girls are seen as fragile, boys are not. Parents have different expectations of their children, socialised, play different games, expected to do different activities round the house.
Carol Ross (1991): ‘Boys Don’t Cry’.
Socialisation teaches & reinforces ‘Gender Domains’.
Different tasks & expectations fall within either male or female domains. As such males/ females feel more confident within their set/ expected gender domain & thus choose different subjects.
Patricia Murphy (1991):
Boys & girls interpret tasks differently.
> Boys designed power boats & battleships / Girls designed cruise ships.
> Boys designed sports cars / Girls designed family cars.
> Boys focused on garage space in their adverts/ Girls on décor & kitchen design.
Murphy set 2 tasks for primary & secondary school pupils
Design boats/ vehicles
Write an estate agent advert for a house……………
P60

4. More information on page 61
2) Gender Identity & Image:
Many sociologists who study gendered subject choice argue that the subjects themselves have male/ female images.
> Science Teachers more likely to be male
> Textbooks & class examples usually draw on boys experiences & interests.
> Boys monopolise equipment & apparatus.
Kelly (1979): Science for Girls
More information on page 61
Colley (1998):
ICT / Computer based subjects are seen as masculine:
> Machines are part of the male gender domain
> Methodical & individual which appeals to boys.
In 2007 the DfES found that gendered subject image was not such a problem in same-sex schools & therefore subject choice varied greatly amongst pupils in these schools.
TASK: Go back to your questions from the article given to you at the start of the week and add in the evidence to explain the trends in subject choice.

5. 4) Gendered Career Opportunities:
3) Peer Pressure:
Paetcher (1998):
Girls who choose sport are often stigmatised as it is seen to fall within the ‘Male Gender Domain’. Peer pressure exerts a huge influence over subject choice.
Dewar (1990):
In her US study she found that girls would be labelled as ‘Lesbian’ or ‘Butch’ if they got involved in sports.
This problem is lessened in same-sex schools where gender stereotypes are not so rigid.
4) Gendered Career Opportunities:
Subject choice might also be influenced by the gendered employment patterns.
Females are largely centred around four main areas (Clerical, Secretarial, Personal Services & Cleaning Work (men make up only 1/6 of workers in these areas.)
Males are heavily involved in vocational courses which lead to more practical work.

6. Gender, vocational choice and class.
Carol Fuller (2011)
Using page 62 explain the link Fuller makes between social class and gendered subject choices.
How are schools involved in creating these social class and gender expectations?

7. Exam questions Text books away- you can only use your mind map
1) Define the term ‘gender domains’ ( 2 marks)
2) Outline and explain two reasons why girls and boys choose to study different subjects (10 marks)
This must include evidence from two sociologists and statistical data to support your points. Remember a ten mark question means that you need to write two peel paragraphs
PEEEL
Point
Link back to the question
Explanation
Evidence
Evaluation
Transfer