Gender inequality in technology... moving forward

Since the early eighties, the gender biased choices of young people entering the later stages of schooling have been a cause for concern. Numerous initiatives have raised the profile of female participation in Technology, but statistical evidence still indicates that although when they choose to engage with the traditionally male areas of Technology girls do well, very few make that choice. Few of those who do well at GCSE pursue Technology beyond the years of compulsory schooling. This paper follows an undergraduate research project whereby a number of schools in one local area were approached and questioned about their policy and the strategies they had in place. The strategies used by schools were matched against the level of participation by female pupils. The paper asks the question "What provision are schools making to encourage more girls to take up Design and Technology work with resistant materials and electronics in Key Stage 4?" This research was undertaken with the co-operation of Berkshire LEA, and supported by an undergraduate research grant from King Alfred's College of Higher Education.