Subject Choice

• What does the National Curriculum provide regarding subject choice?

  It gives students little room to choose subjects.
• What are the traditional gender patterns of subject choice at Post 16 and beyond?

  • Boys: Graphics, Resistant Materials, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Engineering, Construction
  • Girls: Food Technology, Sociology, English, Languages, Childcare, Health & Social Care, Beauty Therapy
• How do gender differences in subject choice vary in single-sex schools?

  They tend to be less marked in single-sex schools.
• What is meant by 'hegemonic heterosexual masculinity' in schools?

  It refers to the dominant masculine identity shaped by various school processes.
• What are the external factors influencing gender identities and subject choice?

  1. Primary socialisation
  2. Career aspirations
  3. Gender domains
• What does primary socialisation refer to?

  The process of learning the culture of a society inside the family.
• How do toys influence gender identities according to Kelly (1987)?

  Males tend to play with construction toys, fostering interest in scientific subjects.
• What type of toys do females typically play with, and how does this affect their subject choice?

  Females play with dolls, leading to an interest in language-based subjects.
• What is a criticism of using toys as an explanation for subject choice?

  It is deterministic, as not all boys play with Lego and all girls with dolls.
• How have children's books historically influenced gender roles?

  They have reinforced traditional gender roles through stereotyping.
• What is a contemporary criticism of early children's books like the ladybird series?

  They are considered dated as more recent stories are less gender-stereotyped.
• What reading preferences do boys and girls typically have, according to recent evidence?

  Boys prefer hobby books and information texts, while girls prefer stories.
• How do career aspirations influence subject choice for males and females?

  • Females: Concentrated in the service sector, leading to choices like Health & Social Care.
  • Males: Concentrated in primary & secondary sectors, leading to choices like Construction.
• How does social class affect vocational course choices according to Fuller (2011)?

  Working-class girls had limited aspirations, reinforced by school placements based on class and gender.
• What are gender domains?

  • Tasks and activities seen as male or female territory.
  • Girls choose Humanities and Social Sciences; boys choose Science and Design.
• What does Lees (1993) argue about double standards in schools?

  Schools reinforce a dominant male heterosexual identity, approving male sexual conquest while labeling girls negatively.
• How do boys use verbal abuse in schools according to the study by Willis (1979)?


  Boys use verbal abuse to reinforce their definitions of masculinity.
• What is the male gaze in educational settings?

  It is a form of social control where males view women as sexual objects.
• How do female peer groups gain symbolic capital according to Archer (2011)?

  By investing in a hyper-heterosexual feminine identity, dressing glamorously, and having boyfriends.
• What risks do girls face when gaining symbolic capital through boyfriends?

  They may be shamed for being too competitive or not competitive enough.
• What identity do girls who want to excel academically often adopt?

  They adopt a 'boffin' identity, which can lead to exclusion from other girls.
• How do teachers reinforce dominant definitions of gender identity?

  By teasing boys for behaving like girls and ignoring boys' verbal abuse of girls.
• What are gendered subject images?

  • Science and Technology are seen as masculine domains.
  • Fewer female science teachers and male-dominated classrooms lower female participation.
• What has Kelly (1987) observed about female participation in science?

  There are fewer female science teachers, leading to a lack of positive role models.
• How do teachers' explanations in science lessons affect female students?

  Teachers often use examples that males can identify with, which may alienate female students.
• What initiatives have helped raise female interest in science and technology?

  GIST and WISE initiatives have developed gender-neutral learning resources.
• How does peer pressure affect boys' subject choices?

  Boys may avoid subjects like Biology and Dance to not appear effeminate.
• How does peer pressure affect girls' subject choices?

  Girls may feel pressured to avoid Physics and Sport as they are not part of their gender domain.
• Why is there less gendered division in subject choice in single-sex schools?

  The absence of peer pressure from the opposite sex reduces gendered divisions.
• What is the conclusion regarding gender differences in subject choice?

  • Gender differences remain ingrained despite feminisation of education.
  • Outside factors may be stronger than inside school factors.
  • Traditional gender identities significantly affect educational achievement.
• What did Archer et al. (2010) find regarding female concerns about symbolic capital?

  They found that such concerns deterred females from studying masculine subjects like Science and Maths.
• What is the overall impact of schooling on gender identities according to the study material?

  Schooling reinforces a dominant heterosexual masculine identity, affecting educational achievement.
• What are the implications of traditional gender identities on educational achievement?

  • Significant impact based on gender, ethnicity, and social class.
  • Non-conformity to traditional identities can lead to bullying.
• What are some recommended further readings on the topic?

  • Webb R et al. (2015) AQA A level Sociology
  • Webb R & Trobe K. (2015) Succeed at A Level Sociology
  • Browne K. (2015) Sociology for AQA Vol 1
• What are some sample AS and A Level questions related to gender differences in subject choice?

  • Define 'gender domains'
  • Explain how the 'male gaze' affects education
  • Reasons for girls' higher achievement
  • Evaluate gender differences in educational attainment