The decision to study abroad : a reflection or refraction of gender ideology in American culture?

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Authors
McKinney, Jill S.
Advisor
Merten, Don E.
Issue Date
2007
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Anthropology
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Anthropology has long understood that cultures proscribe gender-specific roles. This thesis explores how gender role dynamics in America may contribute to more college women going abroad to study than college men. The past decade of data consistently indicates that two-thirds of American students studying abroad are female. While this statistic seems counterintuitive to the stereotype that Americans rear boys to be adventurous and girls to be protected; ethnographic methods were primarily used to identify and analyze the cultural scripts that influence female decision-making among this population. This research will reflect the web of complex and competing cultural scripts students face regarding the decision to study abroad, many of which are at least influenced by gender and socially transmitted by their families.

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