Sexism in Education

Gender biases, prejudices, and discrimination within education are prevalent and have existed for centuries. In most countries, sexism is pervasive in literacy rates, staffing patterns, curricula and co-curricula offerings, teaching styles, school attainment, participation, and assessment methods that favor males over females. This global issue has resulted in gendered differential patterns in achievement and opportunities with most females at a disadvantage; however, in some parts of the world (Lesotho, Namibia, and some parts of Latin America), males lag behind females. These general gender differences have influenced many landmark legislations, judicial decisions, United Nations resolutions, debates, and research. Sexism pits one gender against the other, thus making it necessary that equity be achieved for all children around the globe.