Qualitative Research on the Development of Japanese Female Primary School Teachers' Perceptions of the Impact of Gender on Their Careers

This study examined how Japanese female primary school teachers who have continued to study physical education (PE) perceive gender consciousness. The other, more important, purpose of this study was to demonstrate factors that enhance teachers' commitment to study PE and their development processes and its effect on their teaching careers. Using a semi-structured interview, qualitative data were collected from 14 female primary school teachers who have worked as PE chiefs. Data were analysed using the modified-grounded theory approach. As for gender consciousness, participants thought their physical strength limits them as they age; this often prompts them to resign as PE chiefs. However, they did not think that difficulties arise from gender consciousness in the continued study of PE. As for their teaching careers, this study demonstrated development processes focusing on factors generating continuation of PE study and the influence of each factor on each generation. In conclusion, providing opportunities that could promote factors to prompt teacher development in each generation is important for increasing the number of female teachers who study PE in primary schools in Japan.