The FFA Girl: A Historical Examination of the Driving Forces Leading to Girls’ Admittance into the National FFA Organization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v66i4.3236Keywords:
gender equality, historical research, national FFA organization, school-based agricultural educationAbstract
This historical study examined the admission of girls into the National FFA Organization and documented its impact on the organization. Further, the study illuminated the cultural and societal forces that led to girls becoming members of FFA in 1969 and the influence this decision had on agricultural education and the organization more broadly. As a result, we found that girls were active participants in agricultural education and state-level FFA organizations prior to 1969; however, gender bias and organizational resistance delayed their official recognition. Advocacy from progressive educators such as Rufus Stimson and social pressure from women’s rights movements and the broader civil rights legislation of the 1960s, ultimately, led to the FFA admitting females. Since their official recognition as members, females have taken on more significant roles at all levels of the organization. As a consequence, this study highlighted the need for ongoing research into gender equity within FFA. We also call for the National FFA Organization to more fully acknowledge the historical struggle for the inclusion of females in the organization by creating teaching resources to facilitate student learning on the cultural, political, and social factors that shaped girls’ admittance into the organization. Finally, this research provided a foundation for future studies to explore strategies for supporting women and advancing equity in agricultural education.
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