What is the Gender Gap in Education? Its Types and Causes

The gender gap in education has drastically narrowed in recent years still much work needs to be done. This article sheds light on the concepts, types, and causes of the gender gap in education. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the issue and how it impacts individuals and society.

But first, let’s look at some numbers!

Image: Statista

If we look at the differences in educational attainment worldwide we see that in primary education 88% of girls were enrolled as compared to 91% boys in 2020. The enrollment rate in secondary education drops to 66% but remains the same for both males and females. This means that 66% of females and 66% of males were enrolled in education.

In tertiary education, the overall enrollment rate falls near 40% for both female and male students. But the numbers get reversed. In tertiary education, more women (41%) were enrolled than men (36%).

Even though the global figures of the gender gap in education have shrunk but still in many parts of the world girls and young women face discrimination. They face significant challenges in accessing education. The gap not only hinders the personal development of females but they have a broader impact on social and economic development.

There are many factors that influence the rate of gender gap in education. Even though the gap has lessened, still there are girls and boys who remain out of school.

What is the Gender Gap in Education?

The gender gap in education arises when males and females have unequal access to education. It refers to the dropout rates and the enrollment and completion rates of different genders. The quality of education they receive and the subjects they choose to study.  

Females drop out from schools and colleges because of factors related to financial constraints and social and cultural norms etc. Females in developing countries still encounter such problems that hinder them from getting education.

Women with low education and literacy rates have limited access to information. Moreover, they are not empowered enough to attain developmental opportunities. The discrimination and gap in education lead to social and gender inequalities.

Types of Gender Gap in Education

The gender gap in education can categorized in four ways.

1. Gender Gap in Primary Education

Girls can face discrimination in education in the early years of their life. They can face denial from their families in school enrollment because they are girls. While their brothers and male cousins enjoy the freedom to get education.

2. Gender Gap in Secondary Education

In some places, young girls might have the liberty to get primary education. But as soon as they enter their teens they face restrictions to study further.

There can be several reasons. To name some,

• Parents may prioritize boys’ education over girls’ education
• Girls might have to fulfill household chore responsibilities
• They might get married at an early age
• Lack of secondary schools and infrastructure can be a barrier to their education

3. Gender Gap in Higher Education

Enrollment rates in higher education drop clearly as compared to primary and secondary education. Few females make up for colleges and universities.

Despite social, cultural, and financial constraints, young women have limited options when it comes to educational institutions. In many areas, females are not allowed to study in a co-education system. And there are few women’s colleges available for them.

Moreover, these colleges offer traditional arts, humanities and linguistic disciplines. Which is another barrier for women to gain new skills and knowledge to get high-paying jobs.

4. Gender Gap in STEM Education

The gender gap in STEM education is a broad topic that can’t be fully discussed here. Women face discrimination in studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) subjects at an early age.

One of the reasons is these subjects are seen as best suited for boys. Social and cultural stereotypes and biasness towards boys discourage girls from studying STEM subjects, even if they are good at them.

Moreover, young women in developing countries often face challenges in these disciplines. Lack of educational institutions, limited financial resources, and social and cultural norms can hinder them from exploring their potential and abilities.

Causes of Gender Gap in Education

The gender gap in education is a complex problem that is influenced by many factors across borders. Hence, one program, strategy, or policy can’t solve the issue. Every strategy adopted should be tailored according to social and geographical needs.

1. Social and Cultural Factors

Social and cultural factors are one of the major reasons that act as a force and increase the gender gap in education. Young girls and women in many countries are direct victims of it. Every region has its own set of rules that they have to follow. Below are some points that hinder women from education.

1. The patriarchal system and male dominance in many societies control the decisions and lives of women. Women aren’t free to make choices about their life and they face discrimination when it comes to education.
2. Parents in developing countries are not interested in their daughter’s education. Social pressure influences their thought.
3. Customary laws prohibit women from studying. Women are not allowed to go outside the home on their own. If they go out a male family member accompanies them.
4. The ideal role of girls and women is considered as caretakers and nurturers. They are confined to house chores and to fulfill kitchen responsibilities.
5. In some Muslim Countries Purdah or veil negatively constrains women from education.
6. Fear of getting harassed on the way to their school, college, or university prevents them from pursuing their studies.
7. The benefits of education in rural areas are low. Even if girls are educated they can’t find suitable jobs. Moreover, they are not allowed to move to bigger cities on their own to find jobs.

2. Lack of Financial Resources

Poverty and low financial resources is a strong barrier for females that leads to the gender gap in education.

Low income levels can impact females in the following ways.

1. The financial burden of education makes it difficult for parents to afford it. So parents prioritize boys education over girls. Prioritizing boys education is also seen as an investment to support families in the future.
2. Females get a low-quality of education. Innovation and advances in technology demand new skills and knowledge. With low finances, females are constrained to study traditional subjects or arts and humanities.
3. Even if a girl is enrolled in school lack of financial resources can lower her academic performance.
4. In rural areas, girls are seen as helping hands to assist in household chores or doing agriculture work. Hence, they are involved in earning money for some extra income to fulfill family needs.

3. Early Marriages

The practice of early marriage or child marriage is prevalent in many parts of the world. This is a practice that limits a girl even to complete her secondary education.

Boys may also become victims of this practice but their voices are heard and they are not bound to fulfill family responsibilities. They still have the liberty to go outside home, earn, and get education at the same time.

Below are some consequences that girls face because of early marriages.

1. Child marriage is one of the reasons that increases the dropout rate of girls from schools. Husbands of these girls are adult men who expect their wives to stay home and fulfill family responsibilities.
2. Early marriages limit the potential of girls and young women and are a strong barrier for them to get empowered. These females are illiterate and are deprived of developmental opportunities.
3. Early marriage is another reason that females do not go for higher education. A low level of education limits their employment opportunities and they are financially dependent on their spouse.

4. Lack of Gender-Responsive Policies

Many developing countries lack in developing policies that are imperative for a powerful education system. The lack of appropriate policies legal structures, economic resources, and social barriers is another cause for the gender gap in education.

The absence of targeted interventions perpetuates gender inequality when;

1. Countries lack policies and legal structures that push people to enroll their children in schools.
2. There is no or poor infrastructure, such as proper schools, roads, electricity, etc.
3. The cost of education is unbearable for parents. This not only includes school fees but also the cost of transportation, uniforms, books, etc.
4. Governmental institutions don’t invest in grassroots advocacy programs to change social and cultural attitudes.
5. There is an absence of legal interventions that discourage customary practices such as child marriage.
6. Discriminatory practices and stereotypes are reinforced that discourage equal opportunities for students.

Concluding Remarks

As discussed above, the gender gap in education can be caused by many reasons. These reasons may vary across societies and countries. However, the impact of discrimination remains constant everywhere.

Women are less empowered. They are socially and financially dependent on their families. Investing in girls’ education promotes economic and social development. When equality prevails in society it fosters sustainable development.

FAQ

What are the different types of gender gap in education?

There are four different types

1. Gender Gap in Primary Education
2. Gender Gap in Secondary Education
3. Gender Gap in Higher Education
4. Gender Gap in STEM Education

What are causes of gender gap in education?

1. Social and cultural factors
2. Financial resources
3. Early marriages
4. Lack of education policies
5. lack of proper infrastructure