Gender : Subject gender domains

• Boys and girls choose different subjects to studyTraditionally science subjects are seen as masculine and the arts and humanities are seen to be feminine. Skelton et al (2007) suggest that boys see the sciences are seen as more difficult and of higher status. Even though the national curriculum means that both genders learn the same subjects, where there are choices (e.g. gose, A level, boys traditionally opt for electronics and graphics while girls choose textiles and food technology.
• Boys and girls choose to study different subjects

  One reason for this could be in gender socialisation from an early age with peer pressure maintaining this into adolescence. Also, career advice reflects this socialisation with gender stereotypes related to subject choices, leading to future career choices.
• Boys and girls choose to study different subjects

  Mitsos 1995) interviewed year 11 boys in Coventry and found that boys' response were as follows wen discussing English or Science:

  -I hate it, don't want to read books.

  -When you road a book, it's like delving into people's lives, It's being nosey

  -You feel safe in science

  -English is about understanding, interpreting: you have to think more. There's no definite answer, the answer depends on your view of things.

  -I don't like having discussions - I feel wrong, I think that people will jump down my throat.
• Boys and girls choose to study different subjects

  Paechter (1998) found that sport was seen as a masculine subject and female athletes had to work harder to express their femininity, often being labelled as 'butch'.
• Boys and girls choose to study different subjects

  Colley (1998) suggests that gender perceptions are important influences on subject choice. ICT is also seen as part of the masculine domain. The changing curriculum can alter the gender identity of some subjects, for example, music which was once a traditionally female subject has become more popular with boys. Colley suggests that this occurred with the rise of technology in music. As a result boys underachieve in GCSE since they do subjects that aren’t in their gender domain but can choose what they study at A levels so excel in that area.