School books or wedding dresses? Examining the cultural dissonance experienced by young Gypsy/Traveller women in secondary education. Issue 7 (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamilton, Paula
• Is Part Of: Gender and education. Volume 30:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 829
• Page End: 845
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: Culture -- cultural dissonance -- girls -- Gypsy/Traveller -- secondary education; Sex discrimination in education -- Periodicals; Sex role -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Women -- Education -- Periodicals; Discrimination sexuelle en éducation -- Périodiques; Rôle selon le sexe -- Périodiques; Femmes -- Éducation -- Périodiques; 379.26
• DOI: 10.1080/09540253.2016.1270423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-0253

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Although considerable attention has been given to issues impacting on the educational experiences of Gypsy/Traveller learners in the UK, most of the literature is oriented towards ethnicity rather than gender. This paper illuminates the experiences of young Gypsy/Traveller women who are engaging with secondary education, and functioning in a dual cultural framework, in a time of increased gender equality. The intersectionality of culture, class and religion frequently conflicts with the notions of gender equality and education, requiring young women to make difficult choices. It is suggested there is an urgent need to problematise and deconstruct stereotypes typically held about Gypsy/Traveller girls, as not all young women feel disengaged, restricted, excluded and in conflict. While some young women, as is their right, wish to conform to cultural-gendered norms, this study has revealed some strong, resilient women who critically challenge values and norms within their community, which negate their right to a full education, to bring about positive change.