Women and men have generally been treated more equally in education than in any other areas of the society. Generally speaking, individual's educational desire and success depend more on class status than on sex. Women and men usually have comparable scores on intelligence and standardized tests, however, interestingly statistics show that females have higher grades than men at all levels of schooling. Ironically, when families must decide who will receive a post- high school education, more often than not, men are the chosen ones. Throughout history, the work force has been made up of a male majority, and therefore, many people have felt that women need not receive a higher education. Additionally, when women have pursued higher education, they have often times been discriminated against.

Although today a conscience effort is made daily to insure gender equality and prevent discrimination, the 1920s were somewhat different. The University of Michigan was a coeducational institution in the 1920s, however similar to society, the male and female roles were reenforced and prevalent. Women were not so much discrtiminated against as they were given ample opportunities. It was more that they were given different opportunities, however, forbidden from doing some of what the men did. Women and men did share classrooms and parts of their social lives. However, almost everything else was completely separate. Unlike today, and emphasizing beliefs and ideals of the1920s, all the university dorms were single sex. Similarly, the Michigan Union was a male "hangout." Women were allowed inside, however, not without the accompaniment of a male member. Additionally, gender specific activities were planned for the students encouraging the distinct gender roles.