Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the nature of the gendergap that exists between girls and boys at the primary and secondary levels of education. This paper first discusses some of the root causes that influence the development of gender stereotypes and the gendergap in science and math. It then examines some of the effects of this gendergap also within an educational context.
From the Paper "Consistently, studies have demonstrated that gender stereotypes can have an effect on the ability of girls to excel in either science or math. Cultural perceptions that assume that those subjects are the domain of boys and not girls can have a deleterious effect upon the ability of girls in a schooling setting to pursue and master either of these subjects that are considered to be so crucial. Science and math constitute two of the core academic subjects that are taught in school, especially at the primary and secondary level. Despite the basic importance of science and math to education at these levels, studies seem to indicate that the current educational situation actually accentuates the gender disparities that exist between girls and boys regarding learning in science and mathematics."
Abstract The paper addresses the gendergap within the digital divide between men and women, and across nations and economic levels. It gives reasons why the gendergap is a cause for concern, and why the digital divide is important.
From the Paper "Men and women do not access information and communication technology ICT at the same rates nor do they enter the fields that develop future ICT applications and direction at the same rates. There is a digital divide that is widening between men and women in this regard and the divide exists across nations and economic levels. This research considers the digital divide in general, the gender gap within the digital divide in particular and reasons that the gender gap ..."
Tags: OECD, organization economic co-operation, development, international business, digital divide, gendergap, UNDP
Abstract One of the buzzwords in recent presidential elections has been "gendergap." Poll after poll, particularly in the past four presidential campaigns, have shown that men and women view candidates differently on the issues and vote accordingly. The gendergap, however, has been around for at least five decades, and we will study it here and learn how men and women tend to cast their ballots.
This paper evaluates Evelyn Fox Keller's "Reflections on Gender and Science" in terms of Sigmund Freud's concept of Weltanschauung as presented in his "New Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis".
Abstract This paper explains that Sigmund Freud defined his concept of Weltanschauung as an intellectual construction which gives a unified solution of all the problems of our existence in which no question is left open and in which everything has its place. The author points out that, as a scientist and a feminist, Evelyn Fox Keller, known for her work in history, sociology and the philosophy of the inter-relationship of science and gender, is neither too easy on the male-dominated scientific establishment nor is she calling for a "feminist science" of a different order from the current and classical prevailing form. This paper relates that Keller is calling not for a different science but for a science that recognizes the value of differences in approach and cognition, a gender-free science, a truly scientific Weltanschauung.
From the Paper "For example, Keller acknowledges that more and more women have been going into scientific careers, but until recently, most have been in the soft sciences, not the hard sciences such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. She notes that even these characterizations as "hard" and "soft" revel a sexist, masculine bias in the way people think about science--an attitude that is hardly objective and scientific. She even mentions that her five-year-old son stated that "science is for men." What better proof of the pervasiveness of the genderization of science than when your own child says that to his mother, who is a mathematical biophysicist who has done groundbreaking research in some of the "hardest" areas of quantitative scientific research?"
Tags: construct, men, inter-relationship, differences, research
Abstract This in-depth paper analyzes the available research regarding the existing gap between the sexes in regards to employment and wages. While evidence proves that the gendergap in employment and wages is narrowing, it still has a long way to go. This paper contains relevant statistics and information relevant to employment and wages. This paper examines the various fields of employment where the gendergap is narrowing, including: Education, medicine, law and computer sciences. The writer also delves into the issue of sexual power in the workforce, specifically the sexual power of men over women, which is addressed in this paper.
From the Paper "One area where the gender gap is narrowing far more speedily than any other is in the education field. For example, there are more females in law school and Med schools than ever before. There are more females entering the Computer Sciences field than ever before. In fact, science, which had always been thought of as a sort of a male preserve, is now enrolling women in Silicon Valley. In British Columbia the Education Minister has asked teachers, principals and other educators to consider their priorities. "The reason: a comprehensive assessment iof the reading and writing skills of 140,000 British Columbia students that showed girls doing better than boys in every category and at every grade level." Nevertheless, of the brighter high school graduates who do not go on to college "70 to 90 percent are girls."
Tags: equality, women, men, employment, wages, pay, rights, law
Abstract The paper discusses a research which examines the impact of same-gender grouping during benchmark test administration on the performance of sixth grade science students who have otherwise received instruction in a co-gender classroom context.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Methodology
Key Terms and Definitions
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Literature Review
Summary of the Literature Reviewed
Conclusions
From the Paper "The work of Thomas S. Dee entitled: "Teachers and the Gender Gaps in Student Achievement" offers an insight into the gender gaps that exist in education in today's schools. It is stated by Dee that: "this study presents new evidence on whether assignment to a same-gender teacher influences educational outcomes. And it uses these evaluation results to discuss how the gender interactions between students and teacher may shape the early evolution of gender gaps across academic subjects." (2006) Furthermore, the educational outcomes examined in this study include teacher perceptions of a student's performance and student perceptions of the subject taught by a particular teacher. These subjective outcomes are useful simply because they are educationally important outcomes that provide a complement to the results based on achievement scores." (Dee, 2006) The following table lists the 1999 NAEP scores stated by Dee in by subject, age and gender."
Abstract This paper reveals that boys are served more by special education programs than girls and discusses how this may be genuinely due to their differing educational needs. The paper also discusses, however, how teachers may be responsible for giving more attention to boys than girls and this is why they find it easier to identify emotionally disturbed boys. The paper notes that researchers have not yet found differences in state policies with regards to this gendergap in special education. The paper asserts that regardless of limited research on the real reasons of the gendergap in special education, educators are required to pay equal attention to girls and boys in their classrooms.
Outline:
Introduction
Are There Gender Differences to Account for the GenderGap in Special Education?
Are State Policies Responsible for the GenderGap in Special Education?
Analysis of the Findings and Conclusion
From the Paper "Studies on disability have by and large emphasized on commonalities among persons with disabilities instead of addressing gender based differences. This is the reason why there is little known about the different experiences and characteristics of boys and girls with disabilities (Gender as a Factor). It is interesting to note that the problem of the gender gap in special education does not exist in the United States alone. Studies have addressed this topic in relation to the disabled populations in the United Kingdom, Norway, and Canada as well. As a matter of fact, researchers have also noted the differences between the learning needs and academic achievements of boys and girls in the regular classroom. The differences among boys and girls in the regular classroom allow us to infer that boys and girls are, indeed, different in terms of their educational needs and achievements. Hence, the gender gap in special education may exist for a genuine reason."
Abstract This paper examines how gender bias in education refers to the persistent gendergap that exists in the field of education and how various strategies have been adopted and several reforms have been introduced to tackle this issue. It looks at how women are always taught to be less aggressive and less assertive than their male counterparts, and for this reason, they tend to stay away from more competitive or professional fields of education. It shows how some changes are needed in the way teachers handle this problem in the classroom and how vast literature on the issue suggests that teachers play a vital role in gendergap issue.
From the Paper "It has also been noticed that lower self esteem and confidence in girls is directly connected with teacher's attitude towards more assertive and confident girls. While teachers permit and even encourage assertive attitude of boys, the same behavior is not tolerant when exhibited by a girl and she is seen as a disruptive element. Reay report suggest that the reason why most girls choose not to enter the more competitive fields of education is because they have been conditioned to do so."
Abstract Gendergap in modern American nursing. Brief history of female-dominated nursing profession. Condition of nurses as having more responsibility than authority over health-care protocals. Complaints of male nurses regarding gender discrimination. Nursing career options. Contends a future diverse clientele would benefit from both male & female nurses.
From the Paper "This research examines gender diversity in the nursing workplace. The plan of the research will be to set forth the context in which diversity has arisen as a salient feature of the nursing profession and principles of nursing practice that are relevant to the issue, and then to discuss ways in which diversity of the nursing work force--in particular gender diversity--has an impact on the substance and form of nursing practice, with a view toward forecasting possible lines of professional development.
At a time when patient access to institutional health care may be limited by the protocols of managed care, adherence to physicians' instructions, which are often mediated by nurses, are essential. Yet according to the American Nurses Foundation, minorities account for more than 27% of the American minority..."
This paper reviews the existing literature and studies of the status of women's pay and position in a changing workplace to determine how it may be possible to further narrow and/or eliminate salary gendergaps.
Abstract The following paper discusses economic changes including the increasing service and technology sectors displacing manufacturing as dominant employers, increasingly more productive and better educated women, changing political and social mores and other issues which significantly place in question policies and situations in which a gendergap exists. This research proposes to review the factors toward recommendations of how businesses can improve productivity through equitable pay supporting workplace diversity and motivation.
From the Paper "In 1963, President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, making it unlawful to discriminate against a worker on the basis of sex. Since that time, the wage gap between men and women in the United States has narrowed by just 15 cents, now being 74 cents, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.Pay equality is most prevalent for the 16 to 24 age group, in which women earn more than 90 percent of what men do; however, the gap becomes 75 percent in the 25 to 54 year old group - those at the height of their careers and life responsibilities. ("How Equal is Equal Pay?" Teresa Brady, Management Review, March 1998)."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the gender-based wage gap in Canada as it relates to the educational levels of the economy's constituents. The writer notes that Canada's wage gap has not disappeared. Furthermore, the writer points out that it appears that the gap actually worsens the higher the educational level of women, based on a percentage of income compared to males of the same educational level. The writer concludes that now that the flush of global markets and quick economic expansion is maturing along with the global economy, many markets, including Canada, are left to explain why increased access to education, specifically, but other economic and social factors as well, has not fully closed the gender-based wage gap and why, in some cases, it appears to be widening again.
Outline:
Abstract
References
From the Paper "There exists much research that details how various economic and social factors affect gender earnings figures or the gender wage gap of workers in Canada. The importance of such research cannot be understated because it has significant relevance to almost every working adult in Canada but, in the long-term, it can also significantly impact the character of Canada's overall economic development. The long-term impact of such factors on Canada's economy are related to the competitiveness of its labour force within the context of the global economy as well as overall productivity factors manifested through measurements of gross domestic product (GDP). While there are may factors that can manifest such an impact on the Canadian economy, in terms of gender based wage gaps, one that is particularly troublesome is the effect that educational attainment has on the gender wage gap and, by extension, its ultimate impact on the Canadian economy."
Abstract This paper explores the causes revolving around the exclusion of women from science, math, and technology educational programs and looks towards suggesting remedies.
From the Paper "For quite a number of years researchers have delved deep into the gender equity in science, engineering and technology educational programs. These studies have utilized for interalia raise the consciousness of gender discrimination; convey regarding policy decisions; as also as a drive to tackle instances of gender discrimination. At the moment there is paucity at the national level of computer scientist, engineers and programmers and its effect has fallen badly on USA. The Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology Development reports which indicate that in spite of the growth in science, mathematics, and technology jobs, the representation of women in both the jobs is less."
Abstract This paper examines gender wage discrimination. The paper discusses the pay differences between men and women in Canada today and the struggle of women to attempt to minimize these wage differences. It then analyzes material attempts to explain and measure the extent of the gender wage gap.
From the Paper " The Gender Wage Gap in Canada: An Analysis of Implications It is an unfortunate reality that Canadian working women today are being paid an average of seventeen-percent less than Canadian men for equivalent jobs. In response to this gender wage discrimination, there have been several attempts to explain and measure the extent of the gender wage gap. In definitive terms, the male-female average wage differential can be expressed as the difference in average endowments evaluated at the male of female pay structure and the difference in returns evaluated at the male or female average endowment."
Abstract This paper analyzes the situation of under-privileged girl children in India in terms of the education system there. The paper makes this analysis through the examination of the interplay of several historical, social, cultural and political factors. The paper relates that it was during the end of the nineteenth century, when the Indian government realized the need for the education of women. The paper further relates that measures adopted during the later years, proved insufficient and, at the time of independence, the government was faced with the formidable task of educating a large section of the uneducated, illiterate population. The paper notes that the government of India thus under took several policies to improve girls' accessibility to education, at least during the early years of the child's life. The paper then points out that it has been widely perceived that bridging the gendergap in education will provide an effective solution to the problem of gender equality. This paper re-examines this contention.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Gender 'Inequality' in Education
Measuring Gender Inequality
Achieving Gender Parity in Primary Education
Reducing the GenderGap Increasing Enrollment Levels of the Girl Child
Focused Interventions Gender Parity in Education
Social Dimension of the Problem
Gender Division of Labor
Focused Interventions Recommendations
Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes
Rural Urban Divide
Moving towards Gender Equality
Right to Education
Ensuring Access with Equity
Physical Accessibility
Creating a Physical Environment
Improvement in State Functioning
Rights in Education
Creating a Safe and Equitable School Environment
Sexism in the Curriculum
Right through Education
Conclusion
From the Paper "Unequal gender relations may arise due to domestic violence, stress as well as cultural practices of exclusion. These factors, not only promote unequal gender relations but also impact gender related development outcomes. It has been argued that irrespective of the overall socio-economic background, in most cases views on femininity come in conflict with the goals of education, which are directed towards survival and unity. Although education emphasizes on independence and promotes a spirit of inquiry, traditional notions of femininity seek; to create a docile and submissive character of the girl child."
Tags: mainstream, drop out, mandatory, human rights, parents
The paper examines wage gaps between male and female employees performing the same job function, its history and steps that can be taken to change the situation.
Abstract This paper outlines some theories and the historical reasoning behind gendered wage discrimination and discusses proposed ways in which this disparity can be resolved in the modern world. The paper postulates that one of the major reasons behind wage discrimination is the perception of women as family orientated as opposed to career orientated. This perception, according to the paper's writer, make employers wary of hiring a potentially less productive employee.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Underpinnings of Gendered Wage Gap Possible Resolutions to Income Disparity
Works Cited
From the Paper "Individuals who are also employers eek to hire perceptually those employees who will create the least perceived difficulties in longevity and outside interest as a result of high level demands for productivity and profit and as a result of the fact that once an investment is made in an employee the employer's best interest is served by them sticking around. Additionally real employers discriminate against women (particularly those who are parents) as a matter of making wise business decisions, as if they hire a woman and she either enters parenthood or is pulled away from work (with excessive tardiness or reduced productivity due to family interruptions and responsibilities) she will not be an asset to the company but according to the law cannot be let go without the risk of penalty. (Correll, Benard and In Paik, 2007, pp. 1297-1300) The pay differential then could be an aspect of the fact that women tend to gravitate toward professions (when job seeking and career planning) that are perceived to be less discriminatory toward women (and more of a sure thing for employment) and such positions subsequently pay less, because they have been feminized. Bobbitt-Zeher points out that this trend can be traced back to educational goals and achievement and that even though women have had increasing success in education (the ideal universal remover of obstacles) they still continue to gravitate away from perceived highly masculine professions and therefore less often challenge such differentials despite increased educational attainment. (2007, pp. 1-22) That the variation in pay and achievement can be influenced negatively by increased legal and social support measures is frustrating as enforcement of family friendly laws can and does broaden rather than narrow the gap in some areas, as women are continually discriminated against in hiring and wage differentials where their perceived commitment is broader than work."
