Gender Tracking in Education

Gender tracking is the practice of directing the education of male and female students into different paths based on gender and societal norms and expectations. Sometimes, this tracking is systematic and institutionalized, and sometimes, it is unconscious and covert. Gender tracking can begin as early as preschool and have far-reaching effects in determining the social status, future earning potential, worldview, and self-worth of men and [Page 765]women long after they have left school settings. Gender tracking is a broad term that can encompass gender segregation in education such as the establishment of women’s colleges. The term also encompasses more covert subconscious aspects such as gender expectations from teachers and peer pressure to conform to social norms.