Gender Equity

The issue of gender bias has been present in our society.  Gender bias among male and female in a professional, leadership, educational, economically, and family roles is evident throughout history and time.  Females in the past have had fewer opportunities to participate is areas where the male have full participation such as professional fields (math and science study and profession, medicine, veterinary, etc.)  Men used to have the leadership positions, the control on the industries that promote economic growth in the United State Society.  Men were able to pursue higher education and the opportunity of getting stronger on philosophy, history, etc.  The social interaction for men morally and family wise favor them to fully participate with freedom and independence.  Nevertheless, woman did not have access to professional preparation through higher education just in certain field such as education.  Math and science professions did not have many women participants.  Leadership positions for women were limited to the influence that they can make through the figure of the men through marriage relationships or fatherhood relationships.  Also, women were totally associated with their role of taking care of the family and the household, because of this responsibilities that they stay at home.     

Through the years and decades after the following important events: The Seneca Falls as the first convention of women right, the Equal Pay Act, the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that promote not discrimination on work and education opportunities based on gender.  The male and female gender participation has improved in United States.  Females are increasing their educational background, their professional participation, their graduate rate and their contribution in the economic and work force of our days.  Since the 1960’s women have received their professional degree in Physical Science, Mathematics as well as in other areas such as education, Language, etc.  Females are working outside of their home and they are an active part of the economic development. Nevertheless, they are also suffering a duality in their roles.  They work outside the home and bring an income for their household.  Also, they need to continue accomplishing their responsibilities as a mother and house keeper.  The new women’s role in the 21^st Century Society creates women that multitask a lot.   

           From the classroom and educational point of view females and males have equal opportunity of getting an education; it is mandatory for both sexes. However, female students are more mature and more able to work with the culture of the school.  They are able to stay focus and complete their work.  Male students many times their immaturity or active behavior interfere with their academic achievement and performance. Females usually express their ideas and their knowledge in different way than the males do.  Also, we need to consider that cultural background of the females and males population at school can contribute with how both sexes interact and learn. 

Educators are facing a new challenge, educating males and females today must be active, hands-on, engaging and technology oriented.  The Education Systems in United States need to take advantage of the knowledge that students bring with them.  They need to use technology in the classroom because is part of their daily life.  Then, technology and hand-on activity might be the key to engage males in learning experiences that are significant to them.  In my district teachers work with students and recognize that the issues of gender bias could surface, but we are very aware of it.  So the district and their teachers work with females and males using technology and small group instruction as a way to teach them and guide them to reach their full potential.

           In the film “Country Boys” gender bias was not part of the film.  The characters of the film were boys with different situations to tackle based on economic situation, poverty and family issues. The teachers and principal deal with the boys with respect and appeal to the need of the students.  The female students have their personal issues also but they handle it different.  Family roles among females and males were exchanged.  For example Chris’ mom works outside the home to support the household because of the alcohol problem of his dad.  The principal is a female in a leadership position that understands the need of the students.  Moreover, the David School works with all students of their institution toward the goal of teaching them the knowledge that they need to become mature, independent and responsible citizen despite their gender.

         In conclusion the issue of gender could be blown up due to the eyes of the beholder and the particular situation.  Today gender equity gap is getting closer rather than extended.  What do you think?