Even in a more modern country like the United States, there are still schools that are exclusive for boys or girls. In other parts of the world, giving separate education to males and females is the norm. But in a world where progressiveness is the ideal, co-education would seem the better setup in schools. Of course, there are pros and cons for both types of education systems. Here are the advantages and disadvantages for co-ed schools.
List of Advantages of Co-education
1. It exposes and teaches students about gender equality, sensitivity, and respect at an early age.
One reason why there is a lot of misunderstanding between males and females is due to the lack of knowledge and exposure to the nature of both genders. If your children weren’t able to interact with boys or girls of a similar age when they were younger, can you imagine how awkward and unsure they would be when they step into the real world? Co-ed environments allow kids to develop natural and friendly relationships with the opposite gender in a monitored setting. This can be crucial to teaching them about respecting, appreciating, and understanding the differences and uniqueness of each gender in their formative years.
2. It fosters friendly competition.
One of the biggest issues today is gender inequality. In most societies, males have better opportunities, education, wages, and benefits compared to females. Through co-education, boys and girls can learn that either gender can excel and compete healthily with each other.
3. It can help educational institutions save on resources.
Schools and governments won’t have to spend more on classrooms and teachers when males and females go to the same school and classes. As a result, they can focus their resources on more important things, such as improving educational facilities and programs for everyone and providing better access to education.
List of Disadvantages of Co-education
1. It can be a distraction for some.
Teasing, having crushes, and trying to impress the opposite gender is a normal phase human beings will go through. Having to interact with them everyday can make it more difficult for some students to focus on their studies because they could become more conscious or distracted because of certain ‘feelings’.
2. It can encourage early experimentation.
Along with the feelings of attraction, the urge to act out on those feelings will also follow. And since co-ed students can hang out with each other more often, there will be more chances to ‘experiment’. This is one reason why some parents want their children to study in exclusive schools for boys or girls during their kids’ formative years.
3. It can lead to cases of harassment.
There have been many cases of sexual assault and harassment in co-education institutions. But then again, there have also been such issues in single gender schools.
The concept of co-education has been around for a long time. In fact, Plato, the Greek philosopher, advocated the teaching of both females and males in the same institution without showing any discrimination in imparting education. He said that it creates a feeling of comradeship. Do you agree with these points?
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.