In the journal Lorber states that gender is
the same between male and female and
that we are only separated by our
sexuality. This however takes a turn when
we look at how society forms us as
individuals. Each person has others
around them telliing them what is wrong
and what is right following gender norms.
According to Lorber "Gender norms are
inscribed in the way people move, gesture
and even eat.
Gender Difference
Lorber tells us that the reason
we have gender difference is
because we choose to have it.
Lorber states that"the social
institution of gender insists only
that what they do is perceived as
different" (pg 58). She states the
more we are treated toward our
gender view, the more we follow
those view points. She sees her
becoming more incompetent, the
more she is treated like a woman
because that's how she is
supposed to be viewed.
Reflection: As teachers we
need to be able to look at
our own personal teaching
strategies and make sure
that we are not falling into
a category where we are
misleading our students,
but instead need to keep
an open mind and let the
students follow their own
path.
Miseducation of Boys
The "Bad Boys"
Sadker says that boys can be broken into two main
groups, those starring in the classroom for the right
reasons and those starring for the wrong reasons. The
"bad boy" persona is given to the boys who stand out in
class because they are seeking the attention of others.
While the discipline for theses types of behaviors were
harsh toward male students the girls were treated as
princesses. Sadker states that "In most cases when boys
get tougher discipline, however it is because they
deserve it(pg 186). Sadker goes on to say that instead of
teachers having high hopes for these boys "they fear
those boys could become involved in very serious
trouble" (pg 187).
The "Star Students"
In the journal Sadker talks about the effect of
the "star students" in a class. When referring
to a star student in this journal Sadker is
talking about males in a classroom. Sadker's
journal mentions that boys are usually the
best in the class for teachers or the lowest.
With being the "star student" however, there
may arise problems. Sadker said that these
boys "usually face ever-increasing pressure
and cutthroat competition to be the top" (pg
185). Sadker believes that even the boys
whom of which are those "star students" face
tough circumstances because of the
competition factor.
Reflection: As I teach in the
future I need to recognize the
issues with boys and deal with
issue in a manner that will not
be detrimental to his growth
throughout school and beyond.
How Girls Negotiate School
Maverick Leader
According to AAUW a maverick leader is
"a girl who habitually speak out make
themselves highly visible in their schools
and become publicly acknowledged as
leaders" (pg 247). These students may
come across as more dominant, while
trying to speak their mind.
Trouble Maker
According to AAUW a
trouble maker is "a girl who
also speak out for become
identified as 'negative
leaders' with unrealized
potential. Girls viewed as
trouble makers may increase
their risk of failure until they
change others' perceptions
of them"(pg 247).
Play School Girl
According to AAUW a play school
girl is defined as, "other girls call up
'good girl' behaviors partly to cover
up who they really are. this
pretense can involve ambivalence
and perhaps even strife. Girls using
this approach are outwardly
compliant and successful in school
but leave clues to their other
identities and worlds, which may fit
uneasily with school culture" (pg
248).
School Girl
According to AAUW a school girl is
defined as' "some girls
who employ traditional
'good girl' ways of
negotiating school with
apparent comfort, such
as doing work on time,
listening, and
complying with adults'
expectations" (pg 248).
Reflection: While looking at these we as
teachers need to understand that there
are different types of female learners and
they can not all be classified as the quiet
learner. As teachers we need to watch for
each kind of student and help them
achieve her max potential.