ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses the different theoretical positions that have been influential in the development of gender studies over the last 40/50 years. To deal with the considerable amount of evidence in the area of educational attainment, it focuses on the research on socio-economic status (SES) and free school meals (FSM). The book also focuses on issues which associated with ethnicity. It reviews more detail at gender attainment and the curriculum, teacher expectations and debates about 'feminisation' of the classroom. The book explores research studies rooted in post-structural feminism and highlights the diversity of gender and sexualities. It further focuses on explanations for the gender pay gap and also explores experiences at work: the 'motherhood penalty', changing attitudes towards work-life balance and childcare responsibilities, and harassment at work.
