Gender expectations

Definition

Gender expectations refer to the societal norms and beliefs regarding the behaviors, roles, and responsibilities deemed appropriate for individuals based on their gender. These expectations have historically shaped various aspects of life, including education, where they influenced curriculum, teaching practices, and the roles assigned to male and female students.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Puritan society, boys were expected to become religious leaders and providers, while girls were often confined to domestic roles focused on homemaking and child-rearing.
2. Education for girls in Puritan New England was limited mainly to reading and writing to help them manage household affairs and support their husbands.
3. Puritan views on gender roles were influenced by their strict religious beliefs, which emphasized obedience and subservience for women while promoting authority and leadership for men.
4. The establishment of dame schools during this period reflected a gender expectation where women taught young children basic literacy skills at home.
5. These gender expectations contributed to a long-lasting impact on educational systems in America, where female education remained undervalued compared to male education well into the 19th century.

Review Questions

• How did Puritan views on gender expectations shape the educational opportunities available to boys and girls during this time?
  • Puritan views on gender expectations significantly influenced educational opportunities by reinforcing distinct roles for boys and girls. Boys were encouraged to pursue formal education that prepared them for leadership roles in church and community, while girls' education was primarily focused on domestic skills. This division ensured that boys were more likely to receive advanced education, limiting women's access to broader learning experiences and perpetuating the cycle of inequality in education.
• Analyze how the Puritan emphasis on religious authority intersected with gender expectations in shaping early American education.
  • The Puritan emphasis on religious authority directly intersected with gender expectations by establishing clear roles within both the church and home. Men were viewed as spiritual leaders responsible for guiding their families in faith, which reinforced their access to more comprehensive education. In contrast, women were expected to focus on maintaining the household and nurturing children’s religious upbringing. This framework not only influenced who received an education but also dictated the content of what was taught, often neglecting subjects deemed unsuitable for women.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Puritan gender expectations on contemporary educational practices in America.
  • The long-term effects of Puritan gender expectations are still evident in contemporary educational practices in America. Despite significant advances toward gender equality in education, underlying biases continue to shape perceptions of subject appropriateness based on gender. Fields such as science and mathematics still see lower female participation rates due to lingering stereotypes about competence. Additionally, these historical expectations have fostered systemic issues such as unequal access to resources and opportunities for students based on gender, revealing a legacy that educators continue to confront today.

Related terms

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

Role Socialization: The process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and behaviors that are considered appropriate for their gender within a particular society.

Feminism: A movement advocating for women's rights and equality between the genders, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.