Gender and Subject Choice: Take-up of Technological Subjects in Second-level Education

Merike Darmody and Emer Smyth

No BKMNEXT65 in Research Series from Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Abstract: A comprehensive study of gender differences in the take-up of technological subjects. Young women and men continue to take different subjects within second-level education. Gender differences are especially marked in the take-up of the three technological subjects, Materials Technology (Wood), Metalwork and Technical Graphics. The subjects taken by male and female students at school make a difference to the skills they acquire, their engagement in education and to the education, training and career opportunities open to them on leaving school. This study explores the factors shaping gender differences in the take-up of these traditionally "male" technological subjects at junior cycle level. This is a crucial stage in a student's schooling career as choices made at junior cycle have a significant impact on their subsequent educational pathways. The study examines the role of school provision, school policy and student choice in shaping gender differences in the take-up of the technological subjects. It draws on the perspectives of school principals, guidance counsellors, teachers and students themselves. Overall, the study shows that there is a strong case for promoting greater gender equity in the take-up of the technological subjects and makes specific recommendations on how to achieve this goal. Gender and Subject Choice will be of interest to policymakers, school management, guidance counsellors, teachers, parents, and the wider academic community.

Date: 2005
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