Smawomen: the Lived Experiences of Female SMAW Students in Selected Schools in Calamba West District S.Y.2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the most pressing concerns about today's issues is the prejudice among students who belong to non-academic track, especially for those female students, which could be discouraging and disturbing in their studies. Nevertheless, we aim to know the reasons why female SMAW students chose the SMAW strand, whilst in our generation discrimination is prevalent, considering SMAW as a strand for men only. We also aim to know what the benefits in would beentering a SMAW strand, if they really get benefits fromthis or none at all. In this study, we delved into the lived experiences, including the difficulties and opportunities, of the female SMAW students in selected schools in West District, Calamba City SY: 2018-2019.

METHODS

We used the phenomenological approach in order to portray the lived experiences of the respondents, to know how they cope up each day in SMAW strand, to know the major factors that affect them in choosing this strand, and to analyze and understand women in SMAW strand through personal interviews. We used a purposive non-random sampling in choosing their respondents. Seven (7) female SMAW students responded to a set of self-administered questions. The instrument we made is composed of five general questions and a few specific questions that are all open-ended.

RESULTS

Throughout the study, we found out that female SMAW students are influenced positively and negatively by their male classmates but they are most likely to adapt skills from their male classmates. Along with this, we established the following themes: (1) factors affecting female SMAW students in choosing SMAW, (2) gender equality in a male-dominated class, (3) socialization means, (4) difficulties and challenges, (5) future plans after graduation. The respondents voiced out some socialization experience, health difficulties and lack of financial support. When it comes to behaviors and perceptions, female SMAW students experienced defective socialization and stated that they are being underestimated for the strand they took.

DISCUSSIONS

The results depicted that school may promote strand equality among students in all strand that it offers and may support all students in addressing their needs. Thus, we sought to examine the lived experiences of female SMAW students in selected schools in Calamba West District, which relate to building social and human capital as the key element in empowering women on the road to development.