What is Gender Stereotyping?
Gender stereotyping is reinforcing the gender ‘norms’ that society considers acceptable, usually based on the idea of masculinity and femininity. It encompasses a range of behaviours and attitudes that are generally considered appropriate or desirable for people based on their biological or perceived sex.
What is the effect of gender stereotyping?
Gender stereotypes can have an adverse effect on all genders, as young people find themselves regularly exposed to messages about how boys and girls should look, behave, and play. For children who do not conform to the gender binary of male or female, gender stereotyping can cause confusion and discomfort. This can lead to a lack of self-worth, self-respect, and internalised transphobia. Research has shown that these issues can negatively impact a child’s mental health and academic success.
Gender stereotyping has also created, what has been dubbed the ‘hegemonic myth’: the perception that men are the dominant sex, are strong, and independent, whilst women need to be protected. This can be dangerous for all genders and should be something that teachers are actively aware of.
What does it look like in the classroom?
In the classroom, unconscious bias can manifest itself in teacher–learner interactions. For example, teachers may be more likely to praise girls for being well behaved, whilst boys are more likely to be praised for their ideas and understanding. These expectations can be harmful to both groups- girls may learn to be compliant and not take risks, while boys may opt-out of education if understanding does not come readily. Gender stereotypes shape self-perception, attitudes to relationships, and influence participation in the world of work. In a school environment, they can affect a young person’s classroom experience, academic performance, subject choice, and well-being.
What can Teachers do?
As educators, we have the power to ensure that all students feel safe, respected, and welcome in our schools and classrooms.
Here are a few small changes that can help to challenge societal gender norms:
Make use of books that show men and women in non-stereotypical and diverse gender roles (stay-at-home dads, working mums, male nurses, and female police officers, etc)
Ensure there is a wide range of toys and activities for children to choose from, including baby dolls, toy vehicles, action figures, blocks, etc.
By age six, most children spend the majority of their playtime with members of their own gender, and may gravitate towards sports and activities that are associated with this. Encourage children to step out of their comfort zone and try sports or activities that they might not typically be drawn to.
Take time to learn about pupil preferences and make sure all children feel included.
Avoid segregating children by gender (e.g. boys against girls)- Using gender to divide children can be quick and convenient, but it reinforces the message that their gender is the most important thing about them. This can be particularly difficult for transgender and non-binary children.
Create a safe non-judgemental environment where children can be themselves without discrimination.
Challenge stereotypes when you hear them and get the children to do the same.
Be mindful of your vocabulary- say ‘children’ instead of ‘girls and boys’ and ‘families’ rather than ‘mums and dads’.
What can schools do?
Don’t assume that their are no trans or non-binary students in your school community.
Have gender-inclusive toilets - these could be in addition to ‘gendered’ toilets, or you could make all toilets gender-inclusive- all children should be allowed to use the toilets they feel most comfortable in.
Have a gender-neutral uniform, or update your existing uniform policy to allow children to wear the uniform of their choice.
Allow all children to be addressed by their chosen name and pronouns.
Consider how your school is using the curriculum to develop positive attitudes to gender.