Group 5 - Becoming Gendered

1. Thorne claims that boys avoid “girls’ games” not because of a lack of skill but because they are considered solely for girls. Does this claim support the argument in the New York Times article that there is a lack of women in the sciences because it is not considered a female discipline? Does Thorne’s claim corroborate or support this idea regarding women in the sciences? Based upon your own schooling experience, could Thorne’s claim about gender crossing translate beyond the playground and into the classroom setting and academic subjects?
2. Newkirk asserts that boys are at a slight disadvantage in schools in terms of writing do to stereotypes and what is deemed as acceptable writing. The New York Times article states that men are at an advantage within science related fields. How can you reconcile the ideas from Newkirk’s article regarding the alleged writing gap between boys and girls in schools and the gap within science related careers? Can it be generalized that one gender is always advantaged while the other is disadvantaged? Have there been times in your life when you have benefitted from your gender and times when you have been at a disadvantage?
3. Ashcraft discusses the possibilities of restructuring and rethinking sex education curriculums. Her ideas revolve around gender stereotypes and provide a means at breaking down gender stereotypes through discussion and analysis of new types of media. Do you find her proposals compelling in combatting gender norms? Why or why not? Have you experienced any other means to combat gender stereotypes in a reflective, meaningful and lasting manner?