EP95 - Gender in Education: From Classroom to Academic Career / Daniel Cardoso

EP95 – Gender in Education: From the Classroom to an Academic Career with Daniel Cardoso

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The latest episode of the Direta Sem Café podcast explores the topic of gender in education, featuring Daniel Cardoso, a lecturer at Lusófona University, who reflects on the inequalities that continue to exist in schools, universities and academic careers.

During the conversation, it was highlighted that although educational institutions are now formally open to everyone, they still carry historical legacies that shape how different people experience education. The guest emphasised that attending school does not necessarily mean doing so under equal conditions, as social, economic and cultural factors continue to influence students' educational journeys.

The episode also examines how gender stereotypes shape behaviour and expectations in the classroom. Daniel Cardoso explains that characteristics traditionally associated with girls, such as being quiet, attentive and obedient, are often more highly valued in traditional teaching models, while behaviours more commonly associated with boys may be interpreted as disruptive or overly assertive.

The discussion also focuses on academic and career choices, particularly the persistent perception that some fields are "more feminine" while others are "more masculine". The guest argues that these ideas are not natural but socially constructed, influencing from an early age what individuals believe they can or should pursue in the future.

Turning to higher education, Daniel Cardoso highlights the inequalities that remain within academic careers. Even in disciplines where women are the majority, the most senior leadership positions are still often held predominantly by men. He also notes that teaching evaluations may reproduce gender bias, affecting male and female academics in different ways.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the role of institutions in creating fairer environments. According to the guest, regulations, committees and formal procedures alone are not enough; these mechanisms must be translated into meaningful action that protects individuals, promotes transparency and tackles structural inequalities.

Host
Filipa Cavém

Guest
Daniel Cardoso

Editorial Coordination
Eugénia Vicente and Filipa Cavém

Production, Post-production and Video Editing
Beatriz Sobrado e Silva and Marco Migueis

Production
Filipa Cavém

Article
Filipa Cavém