THE GENDER GAP IN SCHOOLS: Girls Losing Out

by Trudy J. Hanmer ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1996

This Issues in Focus entry is a no-holds-barred look at the continuing gender gap in American education and its profound effects on society. Following a list of stark statistics that gives credence to the existence of the gap at every level, from preschool to post-secondary institutions, Hanmer examines the patterns of injustice and how they affect girls (and the women they become) emotionally, economically, socially, psychologically, and physically. She makes clear that only recently have researchers begun to observe the disparity between the ways boys and girls are treated in the classroom, citing groundbreaking studies in the field. Pointing to the successes of single-sex schools and offering suggestions to young readers on how to become more aware of issues of self-esteem and fairness in the classroom, Hanmer concludes that everyone must work for change so that no child will answer the question ""What's good about being female?"" as a California girl did: ""There's nothing good about being a girl. I wish I was a boy."" A thought-provoking study of a national problem.

Pub Date: May 1, 1996

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 112

Publisher: Enslow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1996

Categories: CHILDREN'S