Gender and the Orthodoxies of Leadership

Abstract

This paper considers three orthodoxies related to gender and leadership. If orthodox is taken to mean the norm, then orthodox leadership is male. There is also an orthodox, stereotypical version of a 'macho' style of male leadership, which may be as inappropriate for men as it is for women. These two arguments are contextualised by a brief discussion of the 'orthodoxy' of theorising about leadership in education which still tends to marginalise gender. Findings from surveys of all female secondary head teachers and a one in three sample of male head teachers are used to show that, even though the numbers of women in leadership roles is growing, leadership is still identified with men. Women experience headship differently; for example, most are aware of stereotypes and sexism. Occupying the role of head teacher appears to have serious implications for women in terms of family life. However, the self-perceptions of both men and women head teachers are similar in relation to their management and leadership style. They see themselves as collaborative and people-centred leaders, incorporating a number of both 'feminine' and 'masculine' qualities, but tending towards the 'feminine' stereotype.