30 Years of Gender Inequality and Implications on Curriculum Design in Open and Distance Learning

Koseoglu, Suzan; Ozturk, Tugba; Ucar, Hasan; Karahan, Engin and Bozkurt, Aras. 2020. 30 Years of Gender Inequality and Implications on Curriculum Design in Open and Distance Learning. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, 1(5), pp. 1-11. ISSN 1365-893X [Article]

[img]
Preview
Text (30 Years of Gender Inequality)
553-4516-1-PB.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract or Description

Gender inequality is a pressing issue on a global scale, yet studies on this important issue have stayed on the margins of open and distance learning (ODL) literature. In this study, we critically analyse a batch of ODL literature that is focused on gender inequality in post-secondary and higher education contexts. We use Therborn’s social justice framework to inform and guide the study. This is a comprehensive social justice lens that sees inequality as “a life and death issue,” approaching empowerment as a central area of concern. Qualitative content analysis of 30 years of peer-reviewed literature reveals patriarchy and androcentrism as significant mechanisms that continue to produce gender inequality, in particular in women’s access to educational resources and formal learning opportunities. We highlight three themes that emerged in the content analysis: (1) ODL and equal opportunity; (2) Feminism and gender-sensitive curriculum design; and (3) Culturally relevant curriculum design. We critique views of access to technology-enabled education as an instrument for social justice, and provide a pedagogical model for an ODL curriculum centred on empowerment and agency, two concepts closely linked to existential inequality. We argue that such a curriculum is public service and requires a model of education that is based on participation and co-construction, and lies at the intersection of critical, feminist, and culturally relevant pedagogical practices.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.5334/jime.553/

Additional Information:

Published as part of the JIME special collection: Open Education and Social Justice

Keywords:

distance education, gender inequality, gender studies, open and distance learning, social justice, women empowerment

Related URLs:

Dates:

DateEvent
11 May 2020Published
22 February 2020Accepted

Item ID:

28772

Date Deposited:

12 Jun 2020 11:16

Last Modified:

12 Jun 2020 11:16

Peer Reviewed:

Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.

URI:

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/28772

View statistics for this item...

Edit Record Edit Record (login required)