Does GENDER Have a ROLE in the Classroom?

By: Francesca Caminiti

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines gender as “socially constructed roles, behaviour,
activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women”
(WHO, n.d.). In recent years, there has been a major push for global awareness and action to
shift from traditional gender roles to a more inclusive spectrum of gender equality. Although
this movement continues to make steady progress, these traditional and outdated ideas about
gender are still prominent in classrooms around the world.

In the classroom, it is common for students and teachers to continue to

perpetuate these gender stereotypes by allocating specific colours,
clothing, toys, subjects, behaviours, interests, jobs, and abilities to one
gender. These gender roles are typically harmful as they have historically
perpetuated a cycle of violence, undervaluation, discrimination, lack of
education, and inequality toward women and girls. The United Nations
(UN) Global Goal #5 addresses the efforts to achieve gender equality and
empower all women and girls.

Here are some tips to achieving Global Goal #5: Gender Equality in the classroom:

#1 Use inclusive language

It is necessary that educators are constantly aware of the gender roles or stereotypes that they
could be perpetuating (either intentionally or unintentionally). Students must be given the
opportunity to enter the classroom as the person they want to be, while leaving societal
pressures at the door. Addressing the class as “you guys”, dividing students into groups of boys
and girls, or saying things like “I need a big strong boy to help me move this desk” can inflict
harm on students struggling with identity and/or gender stereotyping.

#2 Provide a range of classroom material

Make sure to provide a range of books, toys, resources, and

equipment that students can choose from. Provide these
resources in a neutral space and be careful to avoid gender
specific language (e.g. “the boys might like these building
blocks”). Make sure that all students are represented in their
classroom and these materials align with gender equality. This
not only targets gender equality, but also addresses
inclusivity, diversity, and student empowerment.
#3 Talk about it

Many students learn these gender stereotypes from family members and take them to school.
When a topic related to gender equality comes up, challenge the students to be critical in their
thinking and have a conversation about it. It is important to include all students in the
conversation and to set a neutral tone. The objective of these conversations is not to fault the
student(s) for their beliefs, but to open the door to new perspectives.
 References

Gender Bias in the Classroom: Five Ways to Help. (2021, January 21). Retrieved March 22,
2021, from https://sharemylesson.com/blog/gender-bias-classroom-five-ways-help

Tracy Evans, S. A. (n.d.). Cultural Anthropology. Retrieved March 22, 2021, from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/culturalanthropology/chapter/gender-role/

United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 5: Gender Equality. Retrieved March 22, 2021, from
https://www.globalgoals.org/5-gender-equality

World Health Organization. (2018). Gender. Retrieved March 22, 2021, from
https://www.who.int/westernpacific/health-topics/gender-equity-and-human-
rights#:~:text=Gender refers to the socially,appropriate for men and women.