Article on the Bronx Science Gender Equity Council
In the heart of New York City, Bronx Science High School, a renowned institution, continues to grapple with the persisting issue of gender inequality, despite its female leadership.
Patriarchal structures remain entrenched, influencing the school's dynamics in subtle ways. For instance, a female student might find herself taking on additional work or being tasked with secretarial duties. Power dynamics within the community also skew towards men, with men holding significant control over finances and property ownership.
These gender disparities can be difficult to identify, but they are evident. Pritika Patel '24 and Malena Galletto '24, the founders of the school's Gender Equity Board (GEB), could name dozens of incidents of microaggressions in advanced STEM classes.
The GEB, however, offers a beacon of hope. It provides a welcoming environment where students can express their opinions without fear of judgment. Liza Greenberg '25, who is set to take over the leadership of GEB next year, brings a unique perspective, representing students who are deciding on their future classes.
The GEB aims to highlight and address these gender-based gaps at the school. It plans to continue its work next year, focusing on targeted best practices presentations and addressing enrollment issues in advanced STEM classes like AP Physics C, App Development, and Game Theory.
Cultural norms also play a role in perpetuating these inequalities. Men are expected to be assertive, while women are expected to be nurturing and submissive. This is evident in academic and work spaces, where men dominate higher level STEM subjects like physics and computer science.
Despite the challenges, the future of the GEB at Bronx Science looks promising. It has the potential to become a pillar of the school's history, fostering a more equitable environment for all students.
[1] "Matriarchy" - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matriarchy [2] "Patriarchy" - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchy [3] "Matrilineal and matriarchal societies" - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrilineal_and_matriarchal_societies [4] "Gender Equity Board at Bronx Science" - Search results (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.google.com/search?q=Gender+Equity+Board+at+Bronx+Science [5] "Matriarchal societies: Myth or reality?" - BBC News. (2012, October 15). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-19956493
- The Gender Equity Board at Bronx Science, aiming to foster a more equitable environment, could study and present findings on matriarchal societies as examples of balanced power structures, during their educational and self-development sessions.
- In a meeting, the Gender Equity Board at Bronx Science might also decided to host a spotlight feature that discusses the differences between matriarchal and patriarchal structures, in comparison to their current school environment, as a means of promoting awareness and change.
- In their editorial piece for the school newspaper, Liza Greenberg '25, the upcoming leader of the Gender Equity Board, might express her opinion that it's time to challenge the traditional patriarchal norms, advocating for a more balanced leadership model inspired by matrilineal and matriarchal societies.
- As part of their efforts to combat gender inequality at Bronx Science, the Gender Equity Board could sponsor a series of photography exhibits that highlight the achievements of women in history and STEM fields, aiming to inspire and empower female students while providing a counterbalance to the prevalent patriarchal structures in the institution.
