The social construction of gender identity in the primary classroom : a case study of one Year 5 class

Abstract

This study examines the ways in which primary classrooms may unintentionally reinforce and perpetuate gender stereotyping and it aims to help teachers, parents and other readers become aware of the ways in which sexism pervades education. It describes how gender differentiation starts soon after a child's birth and lasts throughout the whole of her or his life and how this process usually favours one sex rather than the other and then proceeds to observe and analyse pupils' different experiences of primary schooling. The study considers the restraints that are imposed on girls and looks at how these may influence both their social development and their participation in many di verse learning situations. It indicates how particular attitudes and behaviours toward boys can function against their best interests. This study also looks at ways in which the concept of equal opportunity can be put into practice in the primary classroom.