Single-gender classrooms create social environments that do not reflect the typical social experience. Students become isolated from understanding and gaining exposure to other perspectives. In a single-gender classroom, there is a lack of opportunity to get to know the opposite sex and learn how they behave and respond. This might be a disadvantage for students who do not have adequate outside opportunities to broaden their social experience. In addition, students may not learn what is typical and acceptable behavior in the opposite sex and may become gender-centric in their viewpoints.
Opponents of single-sex classrooms often cite that the environment might actually perpetuate stereotypes. Instead of creating a supporting environment where girls feel more confident in expressing their opinions and boys feel it is okay to pursue artistic endeavors, stereotypes may continue to be reinforced by teachers. Because gender stereotypes are inherent, simply separating males from females doesn't necessarily result in an increase in the number of females who pursue math- and science-related occupations. It might, in fact, create an environment where each gender feels more comfortable expressing the atypical behavior that is culturally acceptable for their sex.
The lack of diversity a single-sex classroom creates may set students up for failure in future social situations. For example, students educated in single-gender classrooms may experience difficulty interacting with the opposite sex in work environments. Knowledge of social cues and effective relationship building skills comes through first-hand experience. Students educated in same-gender classrooms may experience issues with adjusting to co-ed environments. The lack of opportunities for normal social progression, such as dating, is also a concern.
Some studies suggest that single-gender classrooms lead to higher levels of academic achievement in both sexes. Those on the opposing side state the reasons for the higher achievement levels have little to do with gender segregation. Schools consisting of all female students tend to be privately funded and attended by those who are more economically affluent and possess higher academic potential. There is also disagreement about if boys and girls actually possess separate cognitive abilities and learn in different manners. In addition, opponents to same-sex education argue there is no real advantage or disadvantage over co-ed environments.