Co-education refers to a mixed schooling system, where boys and girls learn together under one single roof. A co-education school system mitigates any impartation and difference between girls and boys. They play, learn, read and write together without being discriminated by gender boundaries. The concept of co-education was believed to be introduced by the great Greek philosopher, Plato, who believed in the concept of equality for girls. However, along with some obvious advantages, the co-education schooling systems have some disadvantages as well.
The following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of co-education. Advantages of Co-Education: Healthy Competition: One of the most obvious and natural advantages of the co-education system is that it promotes a healthy competition between boys and girls. There is always a natural tendency to compete with the opposite sex and to be held as the winner. Therefore, the co-education system is an excellent way to promote healthy rivalry, which often brings out the best of them. Economical: For under-developed and third-world countries, there are not enough resources to spend extravagantly on the educational budget.
If these countries do not follow the mixed school system’s path, they will have to build individual schools for girls only. Therefore, the co-education or the mixed school system provides an opportunity to build fewer schools – with more money spent on the quality of education. Moreover, the co-education system also enables the school system to manage teachers with greater efficiency, since there are fewer classes to handle. Thus, the mixed schooling system is more economical when compared to a segregated schooling system. Build Confidence:
It has been sometimes observed that students, with the background of a single-sex school, lack in confidence – whether they are boys or girls. On the other hand, co-education allows them to communicate with the opposite gender on a frequent basis. It develops the much required confidence in them, and they do not hesitate or hold back later in their lives. Disadvantages of Co-Education: As we know that there are numerous great advantages of co-education or mixed school system. However, it has its drawbacks as well. Following are some of the commonly observed disadvantages of a mixed school system.
Lack of Concentration: Lack of concentration is a common disadvantage in a co-education system. It is natural to be attracted emotionally towards the opposite gender, which is detrimental to one’s education and advancement. Teenage crushes are quite common to be observed in the co-education system. Sexual Harassment: One of the more severe disadvantages of co-education is the increased probably of sexual harassment and molestation. There have been many reports regarding the sexual assault or harassment in the mixed schooling systems. This is harmful to the culture and the values of a society.
Against the Traditions: Many people believe the co-education system to be against their traditions and cultures. Therefore, it often creates a rift among a society. Moreover, in the third-world countries, many people often restrain their daughters to go to school on the basis of co-education or the mixed schooling system. The co-education system has both the advantages and disadvantages. Basically, it depends upon one’s own perceptions, and cultural and environmental values. One should carefully consider both sides of this argument before making a conclusive decision one way or the other.
