Does Gender Really Matter?

            Parents nowadays are placed in a spot wherein they have to decide to what kind of school they should let their children study in. It is very important to choose from single gender schools or co-ed schools because their respective environments could determine the lifestyle of the students. Although single gender schools may be better for students for it will let them concentrate better on their studies, they may also have negative effects such as les exposure of children to the “real” world which may result in their inability to express their feelings freely.

            Single sex schools are most often compared to co-ed schools which of course both have their own benefits. According to Kate Ninnes (2007), the theory about girls maturing faster than boys takes place. Teaching in co-ed schools can be more difficult since the state of the maturity of both genders is different. As a result, students in single gender schools are easier to be taught and thus they could concentrate better on their studies. Less distractions are present in single gender schools since there is no competition on students gossiping on “who is more popular than whom”, and “who is going out with whom.” Based on an article by Julia Henry (2001), research says that single gender schooled students performed almost twice as better than students in co-ed schools. Although we cannot conclude than single gender schools are better than co-ed schools, this may be the basis of deciding which choice is better. Another advantage of single gender schools may be that they break down gender stereotypes. Students have more freedom in making educational choices, pursuing in taking the subjects of their own interest such as art, music and theatre. They seem to be not worrying of the threat of judgement which may sometimes be present in co-ed schools.

            Of course, as the saying goes, “you cannot have your cake and eat it, too.” Sometimes single gender schools can lead to children being hesitant in expressing their views in front of the opposite sex as stated by Kate Ninnes (2007). Also, there would be a possibility of the students having a hard time forming friendships as well. According to strictmachiine (2007), children should be around other gender because it is natural in life; they have to be exposed to the real world and grow up with a strong mid set. By having this kind of lifestyle, children will grow to be more open-minded to the real world and be able to understand thing the way they are. The way of life can be harder than what one studies in the book. Having to be street smart is very important because how one manages things can affect his/her whole life.

            In conclusion, single gender schools can be very positive towards education while co-ed schools lean towards the life outside school and how one should handle things related socially. In my opinion, I believe that having to study in co-ed schools is better because life outside school is harder and I think that when one studies in single gender schools, one is more timid and afraid to express his/her own feelings. It is important that the child grows up having the idea of how the world really goes and to slowly learn how to cope and live with it.

Ninnes (2007) “Single Sex Schools vs. Coed Schools” Retrieved December 1, 2011 from http://www.helium.com/items/346498-single-sex-schools-vs-coed-schools

Henry (2001) “Help for the Boys Helps the Girls” Retrieved December 1, 2011 from http://www.single sexschools.org/evidence.html/

(2007) “Single Sex Schools vs. Coed Schools” Retrieved December 1, 2011 from http://www.helium.com/items/436364-single-sex-schools-vs-coed-schools