"Don't Be Too Polite, Girls!" Women, Work, and Vocational Education and Training: A Critical Review of the Literature

Most of the research on women and vocational education and training (VET) in Australia and elsewhere that was published in 1987-1998 may be characterized as follows: (1) it was undertaken to inform or support policy decisions and is therefore framed by political and ideological agendas; (2) it is piecemeal; (3) it tends to consider women as "other" while normalizing the experiences of men; and (4) it lacks a perspective of "advantage" as opposed to "disadvantage." The literature on women and VET revolves around the following themes: (1) globalization and change; (2) social, cultural, and demographic changes; (3) policies, politics, and VET; (4) marketization of VET; (5) economic and social policies and practices for VET; (6) gender issues in VET; and (7) curriculum, pedagogies, and practices in VET. The literature on all these themes reveals a consistency in research findings and recommendations that seek structural systemic change in the VET system, including the political will to position equity as a central organizing feature. A scheme providing research grants for VET operating like the grants awarded by the Australian Research Council should be established. Grants should promote a vigorous, knowledge-seeking and inclusive culture in VET. (Fourteen tables/figures are included. The bibliography lists 279 references.) (MN)

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