Analyzing teachers’ perceptions of “female teacher” and “male teacher” within traditional gender roles

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the perceptions of teachers regarding “female” and “male” teacher through metaphors. Metaphors that female and male teachers use to describe their perceptions and explanations for the rationale of using these metaphors were investigated. Content analysis was done on the data obtained from 103 teachers. As a result of data analysis, it was determined that a total of 192 metaphors including 101 for "female teacher" and 91 for "male teacher" had been developed. While the metaphors developed for female teachers were grouped under five categories such as “a devoted mother” and "diligent one undertaking many tasks"; the metaphors developed for male teachers were gathered under seven categories such as “a figure of authority and security” and "leading one". Findings indicated that meanings that male and female teachers attribute to their same and opposite sex counterparts were parallel to traditional gender roles.