Same-Sex Schooling - Pros and Cons
Consider Same-Sex Schools in Our Co-Educational Society
This article discusses the pros and cons of same-sex schooling.
The topic of same-sex schooling is a controversial one. In same-sex educational settings, boys and girls can attend same-sex schools or classrooms. This topic has been discussed for as long as education has been discussed; still not much research has been documented on this topic [Schemo, "Administration Proposes Same-Sex-School Option", New York Times, 2004]. It also raises a sizable amount of question as to its effectiveness.
Thirty years ago, the popular belief about same-sex education was that it upheld general stereotypes about gender, such as women should study nursing and men should study engineering. Experts at that time believed that coeducation dispelled those gender myths. That ideology turned out to be relatively inaccurate.
In actuality, boys in coed schools are less likely to take up the arts in fear of being labeled a homosexual. They are also less likely to take advanced courses in fear of being labeled a geek. Girls, on the other hand have experienced some of the same problems on the reverse side. They avoid math and science in order to not seem masculine.
The irony is private same-sex settings are reappearing and the results are positive. The truth is, we all learn differently and require different methods of education. Parents are looking at the educational benefits of same-sex schooling as opposed to the social benefits of coeducational schooling.
The Pros of Same-Sex Education
Socially, same-sex schools are emotionally easier on students. Stereotypes based on gender are not a huge issue in these settings. Girls are more outspoken and competitive when boys are not around to tease them. They also feel more comfortable participating in sports and traditionally male dominated fields when boys are not watching.
Conversely, boys become less competitive and collaborate more because they don’t have to worry about girls’ opinions of them. They can also feel free to participate in the arts with a class full of other boys.
Proponents of same-sex schooling say this freedom builds confidence in young students and allows them to concentrate on their studies more because it removes the distractions of coeducational social pressures. Although very little research exists, some studies have suggested that the benefits are more evident in girls, lower income families and minorities. Author Rosemary Salomone, argues that there is a place for same-sex schools. In her book, Same, Different, Equal: Rethinking Single-Sex Education (Yale University Press 2005), she examines the benefits of single-sex education in the public realm.
The Cons of Same-Sex Education
Opponents of same-sex schooling such as the ACLU and National Organization for Women have historically maintained that same-sex schooling would diminish the affects of Title IX ["The Case for Single-Sex Schools", The Christian Science monitor, Teicher, 2003]. Title IX, a 1972 Higher Education Act, calls for federally funded educational institutions to treat males and females equally in schools and in sports. Some opponents also suspect that same-sex schooling will either push students into exploring homosexual relationships, or on the reverse viewpoint, it could increase gender stereotypes and homophobia.
As teachers, educational administrators, and parents explore the educational benefits of same-sex schooling, debates will continue to grow. If you are a parent observe how, when and where your child learns best. Since each child learns differently, your decision should be made on your child’s individual needs. The best educational setting for your child may very well be a same-sex school or class.
