Gender Segregation in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Gender Segregation in Education - Essay Example Studies have shown teachers spend more time with the boys in the classroom than with the girls. (MacNaughton, 2004, 82)This may be due to disruptions by the boys, although the teacher is often unaware of the amount of time spent with boys over girls. In the personality domain, there are various notable traits with gender differences. These include aggression, conformity, emotional adjustment, values and life goals and achievement orientation. Numerous studies have shown that whilst adolescent boys are more aggressive than girls in terms of both physical and verbal aggression, during adolescence the differences between males and females are negligible at primary school level (Vialle et al, 2000, p.154). This is not saying that girls become physically aggressive but perhaps resort to verbal aggression or the use of covert forms of aggression such as social alienation (malicious gossip and rumors, exclusion) (Vialle et al, 2000, p.154). Statistically, girls are more conformant than boys and are more likely to seek help from adults than are boys. (Grieshaber, 2004, 22) This difference is attributed to the observation ...that girls tend to participate in adult-structured activities on the other side boys are more likely to participate in activities with little adult involvement in school. (Vialle et al, 2000, p.154). Emotional behavior by boys is expressed differently, depending on gender. While females are more likely to freely display their emotions, males are more likely to suppress their feelings, with the exception of anger. (Walkerdine, 1999, 172) Most researchers attribute these differences to societal expectations rather than biological differences. This can be supported by studies of boys under five years of age. (Vialle et al, 2000, p.154).