MODULE 3: GENDER

As depicted by the research conducted in context of the first intellectual output of the PRACTICE project, gender is one of the sensitive matters that students tend to be misinformed or present extreme opinions about. Specifically, the desk research indicated that there are cases of young people expressing degrading opinions about women, while some education professionals that participated in the field research reported a degree of intolerance towards homosexuality manifested by students. Teachers stressed the need of additional supporting material to be used in the classroom, in order to contribute to the awareness raising, stimulation of respect and understanding of gender issues.

The current module aims to provide teachers with ways to explore gender identity and combat gender stereotypes in the classroom, through non-formal education, as a creative way to prevent and tackle the phenomenon. It consists of a brief introduction to the topic, which teachers can use to inform students and five experiential exercises to be used in the classroom.

• Students will explore, understand and tackle their own stereotypes and prejudices about gender, gender identity and characteristics;
• Students will explore how socially constructed ideas are reproduced;
• Students will explore the influence of gender stereotypes on individuals and specifically young people;
• Increase students’ tolerance towards diversity based on gender identity and sexual orientation;
• Raise awareness on gender issues;
• Students will develop critical thinking skills regarding gender related issues, gender stereotypes and gender equality.

When stereotypes are strictly defined and followed, they can influence individuals’ freedom of action, in terms of being imposed to do what is socially acceptable in order not to disturb social balance (Lindsey, 2016). They can also influence people’s attitudes and relationships towards others, whilst specifically in the classroom, they can influence students’ experience, academic performance, choosing subjects, and can lead to students being treated differently based on their gender (Institute of Physics, 2018). The representations of genders in mass media can affect young people’s perceptions of gender, sexuality and relationships with other people (Russo & Pirlott, 2006 & Zhang, Miller & Harrison, 2008).