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Does Gender Matter? Male and Female Participation in Social Work Classrooms

Kathleen H. Deal

On the basis of a survey of 264 participants and 8 follow-up focus groups with 44 total participants, this analysis considers why male and female students may censor themselves in classroom discussions and what solutions there are to this diminished participation. The survey revealed few statistically significant differences based on gender. However, when significant differences occurred, they reinforced stereotypical gender behavior among women. Gender differences were more pronounced in the focus groups with respect to both the interpretation of the survey data and communication styles. The female participants exhibited more caretaking and relational behaviors and tended to defer to authority, whereas the male participants were more assertive and concerned with how "oppressed" they were as men. Implications of these findings for social work education are offered.

Key Words: class participation • gender differences • professional development • teaching strategies

Affilia, Vol. 18, No. 2, 192-209 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0886109903018002008


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