Under–representation of female teachers in management positions in high schools

Abstract

Under-representation of female teachers in management positions in high schools This mini-dissertation is a study of under-representation of female teachers in management positions in high schools in Bophuthatswana. The statement of the research problem and the aims and methods of research are discussed in chapter 1 . This includes a discussion of the population used for the empirical research and an outline of the chapter division. In chapter 2, terms such as under-representation and management positions are defined. Literature purports that female teachers are under-represented because they do not apply for promotion posts in high schools. Internal factors that are seen as barriers for female teachers to apply for promotion were examined in this chapter. These factors include, among others, lack of self-confidence, lower self-image, fear of success, lack of aspiration and the cinderella syndrome. The role played by traditional and stereotyped beliefs in female teachers' withdrawal from management activities was also considered. Chapter 3 is devoted to a discussion of external factors that are seen to inhibit female teachers from applying for promotion posts. These factors include filtering techniques, tokenism and marginality, mentoring and role modelling, networking, sponsoring and family constraints. Empirical research conducted is reported in chapter 4. The discussion includes the construction of a questionnaire, the population analysis and the interpretation of the data. Finally, conclusions were drawn with regard to literature, as well as empirical research findings. A number of recommendations are made with regard to the research findings.