How Gender Norms Influence What Secondary School Young People Choose To Study At

It's no secret that boys and girls are often treated differently from a young age, with different expectations placed on them by society. But did you know that these gender norms can influence what young people choose to study at school? In this article, we'll explore how GCSE choices can be affected by gender norms, and what implications this has for young people's prospects.

What are GCSEs?

GCSEs are the exams that students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take at the end of Year 11. They are designed to measure a student's ability in a range of subjects and help to decide which subjects they will study at A-level.

However, recent research has shown that GCSE choices are influenced by gender norms. Boys are more likely to choose so-called "male" subjects like Maths and Sciences, while girls are more likely to choose "female" subjects like English and Languages. This is likely because these subjects are seen as being more appropriate for each gender.

This can have several consequences. Firstly, it means that boys and girls end up studying different subjects, which can impact their future career choices. Secondly, it can lead to boys feeling less confident in "female" subjects and girls feeling less confident in "male" subjects. This can limit a student's ability to succeed in these subjects later on in their education.

The good news is that schools are starting to become aware of this issue and are working to create a more balanced curriculum that encourages all students to study a mix of both "male" and "female" subjects. This

How do gender norms influence what young people choose to study at school?

It is no secret that gender norms play a role in what young people choose to study at school. Boys are typically encouraged to study math and science, while girls are typically encouraged to study English and history. This is not to say that boys cannot excel in English and history or that girls cannot excel in math and science, but there is a consensus that these are the "appropriate" subjects for each gender.

So, why do these gender norms exist? And how do they influence what young people choose to study at school?

There are several reasons why gender norms exist. One reason is that they are based on historical stereotypes. For example, women have traditionally been seen as more nurturing and compassionate than men, so it makes sense that they would be better suited for subjects like English and history. Men, on the other hand, have traditionally been seen as more logical and analytical, so it makes sense that they would be better suited for math and science.

Another reason why gender norms exist is that they are perpetuated by society. Even though times are changing and women are becoming more involved in traditionally male-dominated fields, there is still a lot of pressure on girls to conform to traditional gender roles. This

The impact of GCSEs on young people's prospects

It is well known that GCSEs can have a big impact on young people's prospects. But what is less well known is the role that gender norms can play in influencing what subjects young people choose to study at school.

There is a lot of pressure on young people to do well in their GCSEs. This pressure can come from many different sources, including parents, teachers, and peers. And while it is important for young people to feel supported in their studies, this pressure can sometimes be overwhelming.

One of the biggest decisions that young people have to make when choosing their GCSE subjects is which ones will best prepare them for their future careers. This can be a difficult decision, as there are many different factors to consider. But one of the most important factors is the subject's perceived 'gender'.

For example, girls who are interested in science and maths often feel like they have to choose between these subjects and more 'traditional' female subjects like English and history. This pressure can come from many different sources, including parents, teachers, and peers. And it can have a big impact on what subjects young people choose to study at school.

So, how can we make sure that gender norms don

The importance of GCSEs in the UK education system

GCSEs are the most important exams that young people take in the UK education system. They are taken at the end of Year 11 and determine what Sixth Form or college you can go to, and which subjects you can study.

There is a lot of pressure on young people to do well in their GCSEs, as they are a major determinant of your future success. This pressure can be especially intense for girls, who face additional pressure to conform to gender norms.

Girls are often expected to pursue traditional female roles and subjects, such as English, history, and art. However, they are just as capable of excelling in male-dominated subjects such as science and mathematics. Encouraging girls to challenge gender norms and pursue their interests in all subjects will help them reach their full potential.

Conclusion

Gender norms play a significant role in what young people choose to study at school. GCSEs are often seen as an opportunity for students to specialize in subjects that they are passionate about, but for many young people, the pressure to conform to gender norms is simply too great. This can lead to young people making choices that they later regret, and it ultimately limits their future opportunities. We need to do more to challenge these outdated ideas about what boys and girls should be doing, and instead give all young people the freedom to follow their dreams.