This is a common misconception! Both male and female graduates wear caps at graduation ceremonies. The academic cap, also known as a mortarboard, is a traditional part of graduation attire for all graduates, regardless of gender.
The tradition of wearing caps at graduation ceremonies dates back to the Middle Ages, when students at European universities wore caps as a symbol of their academic status. Over time, the cap evolved into the mortarboard we know today, and it has become a universal symbol of academic achievement.
Here are some reasons why the misconception might exist:
- Visual bias: We might be more likely to remember seeing women wearing caps at graduation ceremonies, leading to the incorrect assumption that only women wear them.
- Media representation: Media often portrays graduation ceremonies with a focus on women, potentially reinforcing the misconception.
- Cultural differences: In some cultures, women might be more likely to wear caps than men, leading to the misconception being perpetuated in those specific contexts.
It's important to remember that graduation caps are worn by all graduates, regardless of gender, to celebrate their academic achievements.
