A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

According to feminist critiques, which of the following is a barrier to female success in education?

1. Equal access to educational resources

2. Peer pressure and teacher bias

3. Availability of female role models

4. Focus on academic excellence

The correct answer is: Peer pressure and teacher bias

The correct choice highlights peer pressure and teacher bias as significant barriers to female success in education, as identified by feminist critiques. It is acknowledged that gender stereotypes can shape the experiences of female students in educational settings. Peer pressure can manifest in various ways, including discouragement from pursuing certain subjects traditionally seen as masculine, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This external societal influence negatively impacts girls' confidence and interest in these areas. In addition, teacher bias can also play a critical role, whereby educators may unconsciously favor male students or hold lower expectations for female students, affecting the quality of interaction and support girls receive in the classroom. Such biases can lead to a diminished sense of self-efficacy among female learners and hinder their academic performance and aspirations. In contrast, equal access to educational resources would not be considered a barrier, as it implies that all students have the same opportunities, which is contrary to feminist critiques highlighting that it is not simply access, but the socio-cultural environment that impacts female achievement. Similarly, the availability of female role models is generally seen as beneficial, as it can inspire and motivate girls. Lastly, a focus on academic excellence itself is not inherently a barrier; rather, it is how this focus is applied and