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Contribution to Book
Analysis and evaluation of the rationales for single-sex schooling
Advances in Child Development and Behavior: The Role of Gender in Educational Contexts and Outcomes (2014)
  • R. S. Bigler
  • Amy Roberson Hayes, University of Texas at Tyler
  • L. S. Liben
Abstract
Amendments passed as part of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2006 made some forms of single-sex (SS) public education legal in the United States. Proponents offer a host of arguments in favor of such schooling. This chapter identifies and evaluates five broad rationales for SS schooling. We conclude that empirical evidence fails to support proponents’ claims but nonetheless suggests ways in which to improve coeducation. Specifically, we (a) show that the purported benefits of SS schooling arise from factors confounded with, but not causally linked to, single-sex composition; (b) challenge claims that biological sex is an effective marker of differences relevant to instruction; (c) argue that sexism on the part of teachers and peers persists in SS contexts; and (d) critique the notion that gender per se “disappears” in SS contexts. We also address societal implications of the use of sex-segregated education and conclude that factors found to be beneficial for students should be implemented within coeducational schools.
Keywords
  • Single-Sex Schooling,
  • Education,
  • Psychology
Publication Date
2014
Publisher
Elsevier Academic Press
Citation Information
R. S. Bigler, Amy Roberson Hayes and L. S. Liben. "Analysis and evaluation of the rationales for single-sex schooling" BurlingtonAdvances in Child Development and Behavior: The Role of Gender in Educational Contexts and Outcomes (2014) p. 225 - 260
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/amy-hayes/15/