Symbolic Interactionism And Feminist Theory

Unit 6 Discussion forum

Question 1: Based on what you know about symbolic interactionism and feminist theory, what do you think proponents of those theories see as the role of the school?

Symbolic interactionist and role of school.

I believe that proponent of symbolic interactionist see school and educational systems as a means through which a person can actively participate in shaping his or her own world.

One thing symbolic interactionist see as positive in school is that schools are centres for communication. We all know that the whole interactionist perspective is centred on communication. “This perspective is centred on the notion that communication—or the exchange of meaning through language and symbols—is how people make sense of their

For the feminists, all they think, smell, or see, is “how can this condition of inequality faced by women be addressed?” (Little & McGivern, 2013, p.31). Feminist sees the role of school, as the last hope for the women to level the playing field between them and men. A centre and opportunity for women empowerment. That is why she, “want to understand the mechanisms and the roots of gender inequality in education,” (Little & McGivern, 2013, p.499). She believes that, ‘equality in education is equality in all’ meaning that if women can achieve equality with men in education, they will achieve equality in socio-economic and political agenda.

Feminist sees school as the only institution in our society that is capable of removing the partiality that we see in our societies in favour of men. For example starting with equal access to education, equal pay, rights of properties etc.

According to UN Special Adviser on Gender Issues Rachel Mayanja, “Since the first World Conference on Women in Mexico City “women are still at the same place they were – that is, trying to sensitize the world to the unwarranted and unacceptable marginalization of women, which deprives them of their human rights,” (Mutume, 2005,

High quality Schools for higher status people, poor quality schools for low status people. This is the global system of education. Moreover, no one see anything wrong about it. Thanks to university of People for showing us an example that both the poor and the rich can attend the same university. No matter what happens. Whether I pass or fail, whether I graduate or not, whether I get a job or not. I am indebted and will forever be grateful to the leaders, managements, professors, staffs and students of university of the people for giving me this excellent opportunity. I am poor, you are rich, but we attend the same university. What an honour and privilege to be here. “Students of low socioeconomic status are generally not afforded the same opportunities as students of higher status, no matter how great their academic ability or desire to learn” (Little & McGivern, 2013,