Gender differences in the teaching profession

Abstract

Many researchers have investigated gender segregation and wage differences in the labour market. Family and domestic responsibilities are found to be the main burden upon women behind the wage gaps between men and women. This study was carried out in order to analyse the relationship between the teaching profession and career progression according to gender. A quantitative questionnaire was distributed amongst 82 male and female teachers in four local schools. Results indicate that female and male teachers occupy different positions in the educational sector. Females tend to target the teaching career earlier than their male counterparts. Besides, the economic value of the teaching profession for females is different from that of males. Future longitudinal studies could be conducted to assess female teachers' career progression compared to their male counterparts.