How Does Gender Affect the Teaching Profession?
Just like any job, the teacher profession has many gender specific stereotypes that are placed on the job itself and the people who choose to pursue it. Because women are often seen as gentle and patient, it is seen as fitting for a girl to want to become a teacher. Men on the other hand, can be portrayed as more aggressive and not as understanding or gentle so the teacher profession is not always as encouraged. Although it shouldn’t, other people’s opinions on your dreams and desires do have an effect on your own thoughts on them and if you will act on them. For me, I have been very lucky to be fully supported in my desire to become a teacher. I have been told that I am great with kids and very kind and gentle. I wonder if I were a male with the same personality if other people’s opinions would be the same.
Gender definitely has an effect on the teaching profession. It’s interesting to see how societies norms have affected this in history. Seeing that teachers used to be primarily white men is very interesting and different than it is now. Jennie Weiner pointing out that because it is now a primarily women’s profession it is often devalued because it is women’s work. That is very upsetting to hear because of how passionate I am about this profession. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, and I value this job so much. I think it is so incredibly stupid that gender has an influence on any profession, especially one that I am so passionate about. Personally, I think more teachers the merrier, no matter what gender they are!
Hey Hannah. I loved your post, great job of going into detail and explaining different things that you think. I also agree that just like any other job out there in the world, teaching is just like the others. Gender has stereotypes and does affect the teaching profession. I never thought of why it is the case that women are teachers more often than men, but you said it perfectly, it is because of the way that women are seen which is gentle and patient. You also pointed out that that’s not the case for men, men are seen as aggressive for whatever reason. Like you pointed out, people say that teaching is a women’s profession and I agree completely that is so upsetting. My question would be, how are you as a future teacher going to push for men to want to become teachers as well? Again, great post, I loved learning from you!
ReplyDeleteHey Alexs! Thanks so much for commenting on my blog! That’s a great and complicated question. I don’t think there’s any easy or right way to do that which is why there is such a lack of male teachers. I think a good place to start is to not encourage our students based on their gender on which professions they should look in to. Just like how young girls usually aren’t pushed to be a contractor or doctor, boys aren’t really encouraged to be a teacher or really any profession not involving physical strength in some way. Equally encouraging every student to look into every profession will hopefully start to take down that stereotype.
DeleteHi Hannah! I really liked the way in which you expressed your ideas, and how you also brought in that this situation of gender stereotypes is also happening in other professions not just teaching.Im also glad to hear that you are very good with kids thats really going to benefit you in the classroom. I think that is very important that you have been fully supported through your teaching journey, a lot of people do not experience this support with their careers.I definetlty agree with what you said, I as well think that it gender shouldnt influence on any profession specially teaching. I personally believe that teaching is a profession that requires a lot of passion and love wether that comes from a woman or man. I know that you mentioned women and man are potrayed differently when it comes to teaching. Why do you think this is the case? What makes women more gentle than men?
ReplyDeleteHey Mariela! Thanks for your sweet comment on my post! I am definitely very blessed to be so supported in pursuing teaching as a career. Unfortunately, I’m not really sure what the soul reason is for the difference in how men and women are portrayed, but I think it’s a combination of a lot of things. I’m sure one of the main reasons is because in history we see that men were always the head of the household, made all of the money, and went to war. Because men were given this sort of title it gives them a standoff ish stance. While women, took care of the home and children and were portrayed as very nurturing. I know that’s a pretty broad and not helpful answer, but I do think that’s the root of the problem.
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