In discussing their perceived advantages, male primary heads, recognised first and
foremost that men were preferred as heads, particularly by parents and governors:
'Yes - I believe that some governing bodies have a hidden agenda of seeking
a man for the position.'
Parents seem to look towards men - sorry but it is true.
Parents believe that a male headteacher can control children more effectively.
(men primary heads in their 50s)
Men in the primary sector see that they have advantages simply as men; identified as
having 'rarity value' by one head, which is particularly sought after in relation to sport
and also in relation to being a role model for boys. A man in his late 40s recalled that
for his first post in a primary school: 'boys' games were advertised with a
management post. it was obvious a man was sought.'
In counterpart to the women's ability to defuse difficult situations, some of the men
felt that they had the advantage here. One younger male secondary head reverted
to the stereotype of the tough masculine head and said: being a 6ft 2 in male in an
inner city comp often makes aggressive male parents think twice before resorting to
aggression.'
Some of the men, particularly in primary schools felt that their sex benefited them in
dealing with mothers and with female staff. In this they matched the women's
reference to their ability to charm susceptible men. One primary man head said:
'many women say they prefer to work for a male head'. Another that he dealt with:
'lots of young single mothers - they treat me a bit like I am their father.' However, in
the ways in which both these relationships play out there is a power balance that
favours men.
Whether in applying for their posts, or in carrying them out it is apparent that gender
impacts on many aspects of the work life of the headteachers
Learning points
Although the culture within the school may be more equitable today than in
the 1990s, it is still reported that some governors, parents and other visitors
to the school exhibit sexist attitudes to women headteachers.
Some women heads, in particular in the secondary sector still face sexist
attitudes from colleagues and peers, and recognise that they work within a
masculine culture in meetings of heads. This is particularly likely to occur
outside the metropolitan areas.
There is an assumption on the part of some male heads and others that the
larger the school the more likely it is to have a male head.
There has been an increase to over 70 per cent of women in secondary
schools reporting that they have to prove their worth as a woman. In
particular they seem to feel vulnerable in relation to national initiatives such
as inspection.
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