Gender and School Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in South Africa

Authors

https://doi.org/10.17583/generos.2018.2438

Keywords:


Downloads

Abstract

This study looked at leadership from a gender perspective in a rural context in South Africa. The study investigated the challenges faced by female school principals because of their gender in one rural district. Grounded in the qualitative paradigm and using the social realist theoretical analytical framework, a thematic approach was used in analysing qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with ten female school principals. Findings showed that female school principals were not perceived as incompetent and unable by male colleagues only, but also by female staff colleagues as a result of an entrenched culture of male dominance.  Among the challenges faced by female principals included: negative attitude from some parents and educators; being undermined because of their gender and lack of confidence on their side. The study recommends the mounting of gender awareness workshops with both parents and educators to sensitive them on gender equity issues. In addition the study calls for mentoring and networking workshops, in service training opportunities and role modelling to be given to female teachers who aspire to, and have potential in leadership so that these female teachers can feel empowered and see that they have the potential of being leaders.

 

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Clever Ndebele, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Associate Profesor : Professional studies and currently director of the Centre for      University Teaching and Learning at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

References

Arar, K., & Abramovitz, R. (2013).Teachers’ attitudes toward the appointment of women as school leaders: The case of the Arab education system in Israel. Management in Education, 27(1), 32–38.

Google Scholar Crossref

Archer, M.S. (1995). Realist Social Theory: The Morphogenetic Approach. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Archer, M.S. (1996). Culture and Agency. The Place of Culture in Social Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Archer, M.S. (2000). Being Human: The Problem of Agency. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Anewu, G. (2010). Challenges facing female administrators in senior high schools in the Accra Metropolis. (Unpublished Masters Dissertation) Ghana: University of Cape Coast.

Google Scholar Crossref

Austin, M. (2016). Women in education, science and leadership in New Zealand: a personal reflection. Studies in Higher Education, 41(5), 914-919. DOI: 10.1080/03075079.2016.1147725

Google Scholar Crossref

Bilen-Green, C., Froelich, K.A., & Jacobson, S.W. (2008). The Prevalence of Women in Academic Leadership Positions and Potential Impact on Prevalence of Women in the Professorial Ranks. Paper presented at the Women in Engineering Proactive Network Conference, St. Louis, Missouri June 8 to 10 2008.

Google Scholar Crossref

Burton, L.J., & Weiner, J.M. (2016). “They Were Really Looking for a Male Leader for the Building”: Gender, Identity and Leadership Development in a Principal Preparation Program. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1-144. Doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00141.

Google Scholar Crossref

Bush, T., & West-Burnham, J. (1994). The principles of educational management. Harlow: Longman.

Google Scholar Crossref

Chan, A.K., Ngai, G.S., & Choi P. (2016). Contextualising the career pathways of women principals in Hong Kong: a critical examination. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, 46(2), 194-213. DOI:10.1080/03057925.2014.884919.

Google Scholar Crossref

Chisholm, L. (2001). Gender and leadership in South African educational administration. Gender and Education, 13(4), 387–399.

Google Scholar Crossref

Chisholm, L., September, J. (2005). Gender Equity in South African Education 1994-2004:

Google Scholar Crossref

Perspectives from Research, Government and Unions. Cape Town: HSRC Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Chmuck, P.A. (1986). A new world, a different game. Education leadership, 43(5), 60-61.

Google Scholar Crossref

Cundiff, J.L., & Vescio, T.K. (2016). Gender Stereotypes Influence How People Explain Gender Disparities in the Workplace. Sex Roles, 75,126–138.

Google Scholar Crossref

Davis, D.R., & Maldonado, C. (2015). Shattering the Glass Ceiling: The Leadership Development of African American Women in Higher Education. Advancing Women in Leadership, 35, 48-64. Retrieved from http://advancingwomen.com/awl/awl_wordpress/ISSN 1093-7099

Google Scholar Crossref

Danermark, B., Ekström, M., Jakobsen, L., & Karlsson, J.C. (2005). Explaining Society: Critical Realism in the Social Sciences. New York: Tailor and Francis.

Google Scholar Crossref

Day, D.V. (Ed) (2014). The Oxford handbook of leadership and organizations. New York: Oxford University Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Denzin, N., & Lincoln. Y (Eds.). (2000). Handbook of Qualitative Research. (2nd Ed). USA: Sage Publications.

Google Scholar Crossref

Department of Education 1997. Gender Equity in Education: Report of the Gender Equity Task Team. Pretoria: Government Printers.

Google Scholar Crossref

Diko, N. (2007). Changes and continuities: Implementing of gender equality in a South African High School. Africa Today, 54(1), 106–116.

Google Scholar Crossref

Diko, N. (2014). Women in educational leadership: The case of Hope High School in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 42(6), 825–834.

Google Scholar Crossref

Drake, P., & Owen, P. (1998). Gender and Management Issues in Education An International Perspective. Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Faulkner, C. (2015). Women’s experiences of principalship in two South African high schools in multiply deprived rural areas: A life history approach. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 43(3), 418–432.

Google Scholar Crossref

Gill, J., Arnold, P. (2015). Performing the principal: school leadership, masculinity and emotion. Int. J. Leadership. Educ, 18, 19–33. Doi:10.1080/13603124.2014.987180

Google Scholar Crossref

Gobena, L. (2014). Major factors that affect female teachers’ participation in school leadership: The case of public primary schools in Jimma Town. (Unpublished Masters Dissertation). Jimma: Jimma University. http://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/handle/123456789/5474

Google Scholar Crossref

Greyling, S.C.M., & Steyn, G.M. (2015). The Challenges facing Women aspiring for School Leadership Positions in South African Primary Schools. Gender & Behaviour, 13(1), 6607-6620.

Google Scholar Crossref

Greyvenstein, L.A. (2000). Women: the secondary species in education? South African Journal for Education, 16(2), 75-81.

Google Scholar Crossref

Hannum, K.M., Muhly, S.M., Zalabak, P.S.S., White, J.S. (2015). Women Leaders within Higher Education in the United States: Supports, Barriers, and Experiences of Being a Senior Leader. Advancing Women in Leadership, 35, 65-75. Available online at http://advancingwomen.com/awl/awl_wordpress/

Google Scholar Crossref

Hill, C., Miller, K., Benson, K., & Handley, G. (2016). Barriers and bias: the status of women in leadership. Washington: American Association of University Women.

Google Scholar Crossref

Hoobler, J.M., Lemmon, G., & Wayne, S.J. (2011). Women’s underrepresentation in upper management: New insights on a persistent problem. Organizational Dynamics, 40, 151—156.

Google Scholar Crossref

Hora, E.A. (2014). Factors that affect Women Participation in Leadership and Decision Making Positions. Asian Journal of Humanity, Art and Literature, 1(2), 97-118.

Google Scholar Crossref

Howe-Walsh, L., & Turnbull, S. (2016). Barriers to women leaders in academia: tales from science and technology. Studies in Higher Education, 41(3,415-428. DOI: 10.1080/03075079.2014.929102.

Google Scholar Crossref

Kaparou, M., & Bush, T. (2007). Invisible barriers: the career progress of women secondary school principals in Greece. Compare, 2, 221–237.

Google Scholar Crossref

Kele, T., & Pietersen, J. (2015).Women leaders in a South African higher education institution: Narrations of their leadership operations. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development 08(05), 11-15.

Google Scholar Crossref

Kiamba, J.M. (2008). Women and leadership positions: Social and cultural barriers to success. Wagadu: Women’s Activism for Gender Equity in Africa, 6, 7-28.

Google Scholar Crossref

Lakshmi, C.N.S.S. (2015). "Differences in Leadership Styles between Genders: Out comes and Effectiveness of Women in Leadership Roles”. MBA Student Scholarship.Paper 35.http://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/mba_student/35

Google Scholar Crossref

Longman, K.A., & Anderson, P.S. (2016). Women in Leadership: The Future of Christian Higher Education. Christian Higher Education, 15(1-2), 24-37. DOI: 10.1080/15363759.2016.1107339.

Google Scholar Crossref

Lumby, J. 2003. Managing motivation. In: J Lumby, D Middlewood, ESM Kibawe (Eds.): Managing Human Resources in South African Schools. pp. 155-170. London: Commonwealth Secretariat,

Google Scholar Crossref

Lumby, J., & Azaola, M.C. (2014). Women principals in South Africa: gender, mothering and leadership. British Educational Research Journal, 40(1), 30–44. DOI: 10.1002/berj.3028

Google Scholar Crossref

Lunyolo, G.H., Ayodo, T.M.O., Tikoko, B., & Simatwa, E.M.W. (2014). Socio-cultural Factors that Hinder Women’s Access to Management Positions in Government Grant Aided Secondary Schools in Uganda: The Case of Eastern Region. Educational Research, 5(7), 241-250. DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.14303/er.2014.200.

Google Scholar Crossref

Madsen, S. R., Ngunjiri, F. W., Longman, K. A., & Cherrey, C. (2015). Women and leadership around the world. Charlotte, NC: Information Age.

Google Scholar Crossref

Mahlase, S. (1997). The Careers of Women Teachers under Apartheid. Harare: SAPES Books.

Google Scholar Crossref

Mayer, C.H., & Surtee, S. (2015). The Leadership Preferences of Women Leaders Working in Higher Education. Multidisciplinary Journal of Gender Studies, 4(1), 612-636. doi:10.4471/generos.2015.49

Google Scholar Crossref

Mdluli, C.N.P. (2002). An evaluative study of the leadership style of female Principals. (Unpublished Masters Dissertation). Durban: University of Zululand.

Google Scholar Crossref

Merchant, K. (2012). "How Men And Women Differ: Gender Differences in Communication Styles, Influence Tactics, and Leadership Styles." CMC Senior Theses. Paper 513. http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/513

Google Scholar Crossref

Mollel, N., & Tshabangu, I. (2014). Women in Educational Leadership: Conceptualizing Gendered Perceptions in Tanzanian Schools. Educational Research International, 3(4), 46-54.

Google Scholar Crossref

Moorosi, P. (2008). Creating linkages between private and public: Challenges facing women principals in South Africa. South African Journal of Education 27(3): 507–521.

Google Scholar Crossref

Morley, L., & Crossouard, B. (2016a). Women's leadership in the Asian Century: does expansion mean inclusion? Studies in Higher Education, 41(5), 801-814. DOI: 10.1080/03075079.2016.1147749.

Google Scholar Crossref

Morley, L., & Crossouard, B. (2016b). Gender in the neoliberalised global academy: the affective economy of women and leadership in South Asia. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 37(1), 149-168. DOI: 10.1080/01425692.2015.1100529.

Google Scholar Crossref

Msila, V. (2013). Obstacles and Opportunities in Women School Leadership: A Literature Study. Int J Edu Sci, 5(4), 463-470.

Google Scholar Crossref

Nan-Chi, T. (2006). Senior Women Leaders in Higher Education Overcoming Barriers to Success. Ph.D. Thesis, Unpublished. Michigan: Eastern Michigan University.

Google Scholar Crossref

Nazemi, S., Mortazavi, S., & Borjalilou, S. (2012). Investigating factors influencing women s inclination in adopting managerial positions in Iranian higher education. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 4(7), 722-732.

Google Scholar Crossref

Nzeli, K.A. (2013). Challenges faced by female headteachers in the management of secondary schools: a case of Kangundo District in Machakos County, Kenya. (Unpublished M.Admin. Dissertation) Nairobi: Kentata Universty.

Google Scholar Crossref

Quinn, L. (2006). A Social Realist Account of the Emergence of a Formal Academic Staff Development Programme at a South African University. Ph D Thesis, Unpublished. Grahamstown: Rhodes University.

Google Scholar Crossref

Quinn, L. (2012). Enabling and constraining conditions for academic staff development. In: L Quinn (Ed.): Reimagining Academic Staff Development: Spaces for Disruption, pp. 27- 50. Cape Town: SUN MeDIA Stellenbosch.

Google Scholar Crossref

Republic of South Africa. (1996). Government Gazette 34620: South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996. Pretoria: Government printers

Google Scholar Crossref

Republic of South Africa. (1996). Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act No. 108 of 1996. Pretoria: Government printers.

Google Scholar Crossref

Sanderson, R.E., & Whitehead, S. (2016). "The gendered international school: barriers to women managers’ progression". Education + Training, 58(3), 328 – 338. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ET-06-2015-0045.

Google Scholar Crossref

Schwanke, D.A. (2013) Barriers for Women to Positions of Power: How Societal and Corporate Structures, Perceptions of Leadership and Discrimination Restrict Women's Advancement to Authority. Earth Common Journal, 3(2), 1-2.

Google Scholar Crossref

Shava, G.N., Ndebele, C. (2014). Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Distance Education Management Positions: Experiences from the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). J Soc Sci, 40(3), 359-372.

Google Scholar Crossref

Shakeshaft, C. (1993). Organizational Theory and Women. Washington: Educational Research Association.

Google Scholar Crossref

Sloan, R.G. (1999). Women in Leadership Roles. Paper Presented as Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas October 1999.

Google Scholar Crossref

Uwizeyimana, D.E., Modiba, N.S., & Mathevula, N.S. (2014). Barriers to Women’s Promotion in Primary School Management Positions. J Soc Sci, 41(3), 353-362.

Google Scholar Crossref

Van Deventer, I., & Kruger, A. G. (Eds.) (2003). An educator’s guide to school management skills. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Google Scholar Crossref

Weeks, W. J. (2009). Factors Relative to the Career Advancement and Seminar Attendance of Women Managers. Atlanta, Georgia: University Microfilms International.

Google Scholar Crossref

Wills, G. (2016). An economic perspective on school leadership and teachers’ unions in South Africa. PhD. Thesis, Unpublished. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University.

Google Scholar Crossref

Wragg, E. C. (1994). Conducting and analysing interviews, in: N. Bennett, R. Glatter & R. Levacic (Eds.), Improving Educational Management through Research and Consultancy London: Open University Press.

Google Scholar Crossref

Zikhali, J., & Perumal, J. (2016). Leading in disadvantaged Zimbabwean school contexts: Female school heads’ experiences of emotional labour. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 44(3), 347–362.

Google Scholar Crossref

Zinyemba A 2013. Leadership challenges for women managers in the hospitality and financial services industry in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 4: 50-57.

Google Scholar Crossref

Zwane, P.D. (2003). Challenges facing female managers at Emondlo circuit in Nqutu District. (Masters Dissertation, Unpublished.) Kwa Dlangezwa: University of Zululand.

Google Scholar Crossref

Downloads

Published

2018-06-25

Almetric

Dimensions

How to Cite

Ndebele, C. (2018). Gender and School Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling in South Africa. Multidisciplinary Journal of Gender Studies, 7(2), 1582–1605. https://doi.org/10.17583/generos.2018.2438

Issue

Section

Articles