"the glass ceiling is kind of a bummer": Women's reflections on a gender development course

Elizabeth A. Sharp, Danielle Sorelle-Miner, Judith M. Bermudez, Maria Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)530-541
Number of pages12
JournalFamily Relations
Volume57
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Keywords

  • Feminist pedagogy
  • Gender life span development
  • Internalized sexism
  • Undergraduate curriculum
  • Women's Studies

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