“The Glass Ceiling Is Kind of a Bummer”: Women's Reflections on a Gender Development Course

Authors: Sharp, Elizabeth A.; SoRelle-Miner, Danielle; Bermudez, Judith M.; Walker, Maria

Source: Family Relations, Volume 57, Number 4, October 2008 , pp. 530-541(12)

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Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore women students' experiences and reactions to a core Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) class cross-listed with Women's Studies (WS). Using 6 focus groups with 22 women, we found that the course increased awareness of gender (Theme A) but was limited partially because of patriarchical beliefs, evidenced by acceptance of sexism (Theme B) and men as central (Theme C). The beliefs were manifested in how students interacted with course material, which was predominately through rejection of the course (Theme D). Using skill theory framework, we explain our findings through the interplay of the environment and students' cognitive skills. Implications for HDFS/Women's Studies cross-listed courses are discussed.

Keywords: feminist pedagogy; gender life span development; internalized sexism; undergraduate curriculum; Women's Studies

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2008.00520.x

Publication date: 2008-10-01