Chapter 2: Today's Students

How does gender influence students?

            Gene E. Hall, Linda F. Quinn, and Donna M. Gollnick define gender in The Joy of Teaching as   "the behavioral, cultural, and psychological traits typically associated with one sex."(67). Culture influences the way both males and females view their future roles in society, affecting their performance and will to succeed in certain subjects in school. While girls are perceived to be the more feminine, quiet, and well behaved gender in school, they typically do not believe they are eligible for the same jobs as males, especially jobs involved in mathematical and science fields. However, girls are more often encouraged to stray from this stereotype, while males are encouraged to be masculine, independent, and strong, and to maintain this stereotype. If males seemingly portray feminine characteristics, they can be harassed and made fun of, reinforcing society’s expectation that all men be solely masculine. Hall, Quinn and Gollnick argue that as teachers, it is our job to ensure that we never play into society’s stereotypes, and encourage both girls and boys to be themselves and reach their optimal potential, regardless of what field it may be in.