Understanding social inequalities: gender

Gender and Life Chances

Used by Max Weber in relation to social class

Describes the opportunities for advancement than individual or social group possess

Includes chances for educational attainment, health, material reward and social mobility

Education is often regarded as a key means of improving life chances as well as increasing social mobility

Following data on educational achievement suggests that females do at least well and often better than males in educational achievement at different levels of qualifications

In 2013 universities reported a gender gap in admissions

Data from the universities and colleges admissions service shows that woman are now a third more likely to enter higher education than men

Among UK residents, 134’097 women aged 19 and under were accepted to English universities in 2012, compared with 110’630 m2n

According to the higher education funding council for England (2014) of students who enter with A level grades AAB, 79% of male students go on to gain an upper second- or higher-class degree compared to 70% of males

Difference is because of the proportion of woman and men achieve first class honours degrees

GCSE exam results have consistently shown that girls out-perform boys

In 2014 A* – C pass rate for girls was 73.1% compared to 64% for boys

Despite these positive outcome’s females in education much of the evidence suggest woman have reduced life chances compared to men in a number of important areas