Examining the manifestations and ramifications of the patriarchal ideology in female-led schools in the North West Province of South Africa

Abstract

The study sought to explore the manifestations and effects of patriarchy in female-led secondary schools in South Africa. The thesis advanced was that despite government initiatives towards gender parity in the employment social structure, the prevalence of patriarchal tendencies continues unabated. Located in the pragmatic paradigm and adopting a convergent parallel mixed method as the specific strategy of inquiry, the study used a sample size of 20 respondents, purposefully and systematically sampled from secondary schools in the North West province. The data were collected through structured and unstructured questionnaires with the analysis following thematic and descriptive approaches. The major findings included that gender roles are so deeply ingrained in society that they have become part and parcel of the cultural traditions in which they engender patriarchy. The conclusion arrived at was that social structures such as schools, religious, political and economic organisations are the villains in advancing the patriarchal hegemonic ideology. The recommendations made included the need for the South African government to step up efforts to address gender disparities, whose ramifications continue to haunt women especially in leadership positions where men believe they are “naturally the ideal candidates”.