The Nexus Between Gender Socialisation in Secondary Schools and STEM Related Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

Abstract

The social construction of gender shapes society’s definition of femininity and masculinity. It is through everyday behaviour and the influence of the mass media, parents, teachers and other influential people that trajectories for economic empowerment are constructed for males and females in our societies. In the backdrop of glaring gender inequalities and inequities in the economic sector,this study presents an analysis of how gender socialisation at secondary school level influences choices related toTechnical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) which is the bedrock of national economic empowerment.This study was guided by socialist feminist thinking which details how capitalism and patriarchy feeds from gender socialisation resulting gender inequality.Findings from this desk study show that gender socialisation perpetuated by the teachers and peers reinforces traditional gender stereotypes of masculinity and femininity that were inculcated into the young at a very tender age.These stereotypes contribute to the gender inequalities that prevail in Sceince,Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related TVET programmes and occupations. The study recommends a systematic examination of gender socialisation at secondary school level for the increased participation of females in stem related  TVET programmes and occupations for the realisation of sustainable economic development in Zimbabwe and beyond.

Key words:capitalism,gender mainstreaming, gender socialisation, socialist feminism, patriarchy.

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/83-07

Publication date: September 30^th 2024