Women in Leadership Roles
This report examines the research on gender equity in educational leadership published since 1997until 2010. Even though women attaining jobs in school leadership has increased, women still do not fill administrative positions in comparison to men. The majority of research related to women and leadership examines the barriers women face in entering or moving up in the leadership hierarchy. Looking at the differences and similarities in how men and women take on and exercise leadership roles, the authors of the articles suggest ideas based on biological, psychological and sociological theories that stress gender difference. The article, “Re-thinking educational leadership: exploring the impact of cultural and belief systems” written by Shah, discusses how education and educational leadership theories and practices are influenced by culture and belief systems; with a focus on gender in Muslim societies. The first priority of Muslim women was to look after their family; therefore, before taking on any professional responsibility they had to ensure that no decisions or actions brought shame to their family or extended families. According to Shah, the Muslim women who participated in leadership positions often felt powerless because their decisions and actions were regularly scrutinized by men. The second article, “Gender Differences Among New Recruits to School Administration: Cautionary Footnotes to an Optimistic Tale” written by Riehl and Byrd discusses the factors affecting leadership among men and women in elementary and secondary education. Even though the women were as highly educated as the men, the men often were given many more opportunities. Women were still seen as displaying nurturing characteristics in their leadership style. The article also discusses women’s leadership aspirations to that of their male counterparts. The third article, “School leadership, sex and gender: welcome to difference” written by Kruger brings into light the
References: Coleman, Marianne. (2007) Gender and educational Leadership in England: a comparison of secondary headteachers’ views over time. School Leadership and Management, 24(2), 383-399. Kruger, Meta L. (2008) School leadership, sex and gender: welcome to difference. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 11(2), 155- 168. Riehl, Carolyn & Byrd, Mark A. (1997) Gender Differences Among New Recruits to School Administration: Cautionary Footnotes to an Optimistic Tale. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 19(1), 45-64. Shah, Saeeda J. A. (2010) Re-thinking educational leadership: exploring the impact of cultural and belief systems. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 13(1), 27-44.