University Students’ Perceptions on Effectiveness of Female Lecturers in Zimbabwe

Abstract

In this study we address pertinent cultural issues in the academia: the influence of upbringing and cultural contextual factors on perception and attitude to human relationships and capabilities. In the study we examine the perception of both male and female university students on the competence of their female lecturers. We randomly sampled two universities in Zimbabwe for this study: one state university and one private university. Although the study was guided by the mixed research design, the dominant approach to data collection and analysis was the qualitative design. In fact, the qualitative design was the most appropriate approach in dealing with perceptions, emotions and feelings. The study establishes that, on average, university (male and female) students rate their female lecturers lowly when compared to their rating of male lecturers. We thus conclude that students look down upon female lecturers and view them as ineffective. This perception has been found to be a result of culture and socialisation. There is therefore need to de-socialise and re-socialise children and youth so that they grow up with positive attitudes towards women and their capabilities in their communities.

Key words: perceptions, effectiveness, gender, gender-bias, sex, culture, academia, lecturer, stereotyping.