Research Article

Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom

Volume: 58 Number: 3 December 15, 2025
TR EN

Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom

Abstract

This study examines how girls and boys construct gender identities within peer groups in the context of English learning experiences in an EFL classroom. Drawing on a critical ethnographic approach, the research was conducted with 34 tenth-grade students and their English teacher at a public high school. Ethnographic data were generated through participant observation and interviews. The data analysis, informed by Foucault's concept of “games of truth,” reveals the multiple constructions of gender within friendship groups, how class mediates gendered norms, intergroup power relations, and the dominant masculinity performed by the popular boys. The findings also show that alternative gender performances are marginalized and that disciplinary gender norms are reproduced in the classroom. Additionally, the study demonstrates that, for certain students, immunity from regulatory mechanisms and inclusion in group dynamics without exclusion are possible. These findings have implications for English language learning processes, as well as for future research.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ankara University Scientific Research Projects Unit

Project Number

16L0630002

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted with the approval of the Ethics Committee of Ankara University. All ethical principles were observed throughout the research process, and informed consent was obtained from participants based on their voluntary participation.

Thanks

We are grateful to all participants for their willingness to take part and share their experiences, which made this study possible.

References

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  2. Aslan, O. (2009). The role of gender and language learning strategies in learning English (Thesis No. 250767) [Master’s thesis, Middle East Technical University]. Council of Higher Education Thesis Center. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/TezGoster?key=NtBAevXNhYaNqJFoAcdBdtjbqqS9TsxUKnZiQ0JctRk5tqln1smvdVolQ5M7jcns
  3. Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge. Cameron, D. (2005). Language, gender and sexuality: Current issues and new directions. Applied Linguistics, 26(4), 482-502. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/ami027
  4. Cameron, D. (2010). Sex/Gender, Language and the New Biologism. Applied Linguistics, 31(2), 173-192. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/amp022
  5. Carspecken, P. F. (1996). Critical ethnography in educational research: A theoretical and practical guide. Routledge.
  6. Connell, R. W. (1989). Cool guys, swots and wimps: The interplay of masculinity and education. Oxford Review of Education, 15(3), 291-301. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1050420
  7. Connell, R.W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed.). Routledge.
  8. Delamont, S. (2007). Ethnography and participant observation. In C. Seale, G. Gobo, J. F. Gubrium & D. Silverman (Eds.), Qualitative research practice (pp. 205-217). Sage.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Curriculum Development in Education, Gender, Sexuality and Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 15, 2025

Submission Date

June 28, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 27, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 58 Number: 3

APA
Soğuksu, A. F., & Bıkmaz, F. (2025). Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom. Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences (JFES), 58(3), 1345-1398. https://doi.org/10.30964/auebfd.1726607
AMA
1.Soğuksu AF, Bıkmaz F. Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom. JFES. 2025;58(3):1345-1398. doi:10.30964/auebfd.1726607
Chicago
Soğuksu, Asuman Fulya, and Fatma Bıkmaz. 2025. “Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom”. Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences (JFES) 58 (3): 1345-98. https://doi.org/10.30964/auebfd.1726607.
EndNote
Soğuksu AF, Bıkmaz F (December 1, 2025) Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom. Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences (JFES) 58 3 1345–1398.
IEEE
[1]A. F. Soğuksu and F. Bıkmaz, “Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom”, JFES, vol. 58, no. 3, pp. 1345–1398, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.30964/auebfd.1726607.
ISNAD
Soğuksu, Asuman Fulya - Bıkmaz, Fatma. “Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom”. Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences (JFES) 58/3 (December 1, 2025): 1345-1398. https://doi.org/10.30964/auebfd.1726607.
JAMA
1.Soğuksu AF, Bıkmaz F. Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom. JFES. 2025;58:1345–1398.
MLA
Soğuksu, Asuman Fulya, and Fatma Bıkmaz. “Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom”. Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences (JFES), vol. 58, no. 3, Dec. 2025, pp. 1345-98, doi:10.30964/auebfd.1726607.
Vancouver
1.Asuman Fulya Soğuksu, Fatma Bıkmaz. Constructing Gender Identities in Peer Groups in an EFL Classroom. JFES. 2025 Dec. 1;58(3):1345-98. doi:10.30964/auebfd.1726607

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