ABSTRACT

This collection of original papers shows how women in Britain are still being discriminated against during schooling, despite the existence of legislation prohibiting such discrimination and despite apparent concern with promoting equality between the sexes in education. Focusing on the current situation and experiences of women in education and their subsequent entry to, and experiences of, the labour market, the book shows how the category of gender is made relevant in the education of women: how it is influential in structuring their actions, beliefs, values and life chances, and how it provides them with a set of contradictions about their role in society.

chapter |12 pages

Women, work and schooling

The relevance of gender

chapter 2|16 pages

The importance of being Ernest … Emma … Tom … Jane

The perception and categorization of gender conformity and gender deviation in primary schools

chapter 3|10 pages

Studying girls at school

The implications of confusion

chapter 5|10 pages

Education and the individual

Schooling for girls, or mixed schooling – a mixed blessing?

chapter 6|11 pages

Sex differences in mathematical performance

A review of research and possible action

chapter 8|14 pages

Into work

Continuity and change

chapter 9|14 pages

Young women in the labour market

Stability and change

chapter 10|16 pages

Women in higher education

A case study of the Open University

chapter 13|7 pages

Women, school and work

Some conclusions