Gender Differences in Subject Choice

Paper Summary:

This paper investigates the influence of gender on subject choices of post-16 students, looking particularly at A-level students who tend to select stereotypical subjects according to their gender. Subject choices have an impact on the job market, making certain careers dominated by a particular sex and this is a vital area to research as disproportionate subject choices in schools could prevent equality in the workplace. It determines whether this influence of gender on subject choice is a national trend and also if it has any consequence in the career market. The study is based on secondary data, consisting of official U.C.A.S. statistics and national A-level results. The paper includes various charts and graphs.

From the Paper:

"Although the 1944 Education Act made secondary education accessible to all children, boys and girls did not pursue the same curriculum, as the dominant ideology was they should study subjects which would best prepare them for their natural roles. Introducing a national curriculum in 1988 attempted to legislate gender equality in education. In an effort to eradicate the traditions of children taking subjects in accordance to their sex, girls were required to study previously male dominated subjects, and vice versa. Students were allowed to choose some subjects, in which gender differences can be noted, but this choice was only permitted outside the "core" areas of English, Science, Mathematics, Technology and a foreign language. However by A level, when students are given a complete choice of subjects to study the gender differences re-emerge despite pupils studying mostly the same subjects up until the age of 16."

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