Higher education of women: Does gender stereotyping matter?

Abstract

Gender inequality in higher education is not one homogeneous phenomenon, but a collection of disparate and interlinked problems in our society. It exist because of discrimination in the family and societal institutions and social, cultural, and religious norms that perpetuate stereotypes, practices and beliefs that are detrimental to women. Based on the responses to four semi-structured interview schedules and one check list of 400 post-graduate students in Vidyasagar University in West Bengal, this article investigates the influence of gender stereotyping on women's higher education. Several indicators are considered and investigated using non-parametric technique. Given the overall patriarchal structure of Indian society, the results indicate that gender stereotyping produces low self-esteem among female students in our society and higher education system is not sufficient itself for developing the necessary attitudes among today's young adults that are needed to succeed in a democratic country-where human dignity is respected.