摘要：In this paper I examined factors deterring female teachers from holding principal positions at elementary sch ools in Makassar. The research participants were from both female teachers and principals at five districts in Makassar. By means of a survey instrument (the questionnaire) which contained several statements taken from the litera ture review, the research w as aimed at assisting me in exploring the sociocultural and institutional barriers faced by female teachers and principals in pursuing th eir leadership aspirations. This is a mixed method study combining qualitative and quantitative research methods within the paradigms of constructivism and social constructionism. The data yielded were analysed using statistical data analysis and arithmetic techniques used were descriptive statistic, correlation and factor analysis. In order to supplement the quantitative data, qualitative data in form of open-ended questions were added. The qualitative data gained were interpreted in accordance with an interpretivist paradigm by interpreting and understanding people multiple perspectives or experiences from which reality or truth is constructed (teachers and principals' experiences). The findings revealed that the underrepresentation of female teachers at headship positions at elementary schools in Makassar stems from problems both sociocultural and instituitional. It is expected that the results of this study may help to shed light on the underrepresentation of females in school leadership roles in Makassar and to provide so me indications of directions that could be pursued to address this imbalance. Results may also provide an indication of what additional steps may need to be made taken to address teachers' motivation to pursue their leadership roles. For authorities the results may be used for poli cy revision w ithin the Makassar educational system
关键词：women; principal positions; Makassar; sociocultural barriers
