Older Women Training to Teach

The relationship of age to gender in training, education and the wider society has been largely neglected. This article starts by exploring the discourses of ageism and sexism which impact on older women. The article then considers the situation for one group of older women who are all preparing to become teachers. Drawing on the perspectives of 11 older women, this article illuminates some of the dilemmas which mature trainee teachers experience. The intention in this article is to ensure that age is included when the complexity of women's oppression and discrimination is analysed.