Job Discussion Forums

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

Some people have indicated to me that they think our school's decision to employ an additional female teacher of mature age is discriminatory against younger females and men in general. They argue on the grounds of "merit"; however, I believe that it's "horses for courses".

From many points of view, this would be a very desirable appointment. Nevertheless, I believe that in opting for a mature female, the school would be looking after its own interests as well as protecting others from a conservative social situation with limited opportunities for entertainment and social interaction with other foreigners that they may not feel altogether comfortable with after a month or two.

There is the belief here that an older female would be more content with a quieter life, would not be troubled by the absence of bars and discos and would be comforted by the fairly secure environment of the school.

It is true that general employment conditions here would be to the liking of everyone but it's my belief that, in limiting its options as it has, the school is protecting itself against restlessness and disillusion that could manifest itself among young people with greater demands for a more swinging life. Suzhou is close by, it is true, but not everyone wants to be secure and in bed by 10 p.m. five days a week.

I'd be interested in the views of others on this question.

travelingirl68 · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 1:01 am Post subject:

Why would they just not make the living conditions very clear up-front? Then any individual could decide - no matter their age or gender - and the honesty would be appreciated by both parties.

brsmith15 · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 1142 Location: New Hampshire USA

I take it you are a young suckling only recently weaned from your mother's teat and regard "fun" as staying out late, drinking as much as you can and then collapsing into your rack then to face your morning class blearly-eyed, hungover and stupid which can only add to your total lack of life experience.

I did it myself!

N'est ce pas?

Sinobear · Joined: 24 Aug 2004 Posts: 1269 Location: Purgatory

Unless it's motivated by the school's desire to have someone that's thought of as complacent and easy to control - as was the case with the primary school where I taught previously.

Cheers!

Talkdoc · Joined: 03 Mar 2004 Posts: 696

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

Hello Old Dog,

I like the idea of this sort of positive discrimination.
Should be a lot more of it.
OK, I may just be included in the "in" group.

Babala · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 1303 Location: Henan

OD,
Speaking as a younger foreign teacher, I see nothing wrong in what the school is doing. They are a business, whatever they feel is best for the business, so be it. Right now my school is searching for an older American or British male by student requests. I think it is the school's right to hire who they want. There are quite a few posting for kindys that only want younger females.

limits601 · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2005 5:00 am Post subject:

T and A will always win !

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

I have to agree with 'Babala'. Also, is there such a concept as 'discrimination' in China? Employers, if they so wish, can openly advertise for staff who, for example, wear read socks, can't they? It is their choice. If it is what their customers want, then that is what they will try to provide. I suppose you could argue it is a form of discrimination, though you would have to also argue that modelling agencies refusing to hire obvious non-model material constitutes 'discrimination'.

latefordinner · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Posts: 973

Agreed again, it is the school's prerogative to discriminate. I don't see how it is any more positive than deciding to hire white only or not over age 30 or whatever, but there you have it. I think though we have to turn TD's observation around. It would be nice to think that the schools are doing so in their own best interest, representing the wishes of the parents, and are honest about the reasons. That may be a questionable assumption. (Wasn't that one of your points, Millie?)

Old Dog · Joined: 22 Oct 2004 Posts: 564 Location: China

The general characteristics of this beautiful town (and this school) are that, while town and school are very rich, it's a small town and quite conservative. Even the young women on staff live the life of matrons of a certain age. But, I guess, the school is not all that narrow in its view. Retired female teachers are as rare as hen's teeth and I suppose, at a pinch, they'd opt from a clean Old Stinker in place of an Old Boiler. But you know what old men can be like. Some are drunks, some are lechers, some pi*ss on the floor and dribble their soup on their ties. Ladies don't so such things. Since it's difficult to vet these things in advance, a lady seems to the powers that be the best bet. In any case, competent, retired male teachers who are clean in their habits, aren't drunks or lechers, etc. are probably as rare as hen's teeth too. As for younger people, within in a month they'd be rearing to go to the bright lights or would want to come swinging in at midnight. I look at this beautiful place just now with its spring dress on - just made for that elusive, lively, good-natured, old school ma'am or just maybe, a continent lively, good-natured, old school master.

Jolly · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

travelingirl68 · Posted: Sun May 01, 2005 11:58 am Post subject:

This assumes, of course, that EFL teachers in China are predominantly emotionally mature, self-aware and honest with both themselves and others about their motivations and reasons for seeking employment at any given school. I could be mistaken, but that might be a false assumption.

Oops, my mistake, I forgot about the Kia/Simon's of the world!