Title: Gender differentiation and parental support in schooling: a case study of Gweru rural district

Authors: Winniefridah Matsa; Beatrice Ndava

Addresses: Gender Studies Department, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe ' Educational Foundations, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe

Abstract: The study focused on gender differentiation and parental support in schooling, the forms of parental support, ways in which parents show differentiation, factors causing it as well as strategies of curbing gender differentiation. The theory of patriarchy explains factors influencing and processes of gender differentiation. The design is a case study of Gweru rural district. The sample comprised 68 participants, 60 learners, six class teachers and two heads of schools. Date was gathered using questionnaires, focused group discussions and interviews. The findings revealed that gender differential parental support was in form of material and non-material needs. Quantity and quality of resources depended on gender of the child and sometimes the gender of the parent. Factors influencing gender differentiation were patriarchal, cultural and the level of education and socio-economic status. The study recommends gender awareness campaigns, sensitisation programmes and gender education on policies, laws, international declarations on rights of children.

Keywords: gender differentiation; parental support; patriarchy; gender blindness; gender responsive environments.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSDS.2023.134998

International Journal of Gender Studies in Developing Societies, 2023 Vol.5 No.1, pp.20 - 36

Received: 17 Sep 2021
Accepted: 03 Aug 2022
Published online: 24 Nov 2023 *

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