Gender and Social Roles in Family-Owned Schools

Abstract

This study aimed to research the relation between gender and the management and caregiving activities carried out by the staff of family-owned schools, as well as to analyze how the gender issue has been addressed with students. Four schools in Rio de Janeiro were surveyed. Results were analyzed via content analysis. The analysis showed a strong centralization of caregiving responsibilities for young children in the hands of female employees. The discussion on gender issues with students was shown to rely on the Brazilian curricular guidelines and legislation so as to avoid potential resistance from some students’ families.