Gender Inequality within Schools

Gender equality is a problem that we have faced for decades. Women used to not have the same rights, such as the right to vote, and they were simply regarded as the person who stays home to cooks, clean, have children, and care-give, while the men went to work and were the breadwinners. Another example of gender inequality is that men are considered "wusses" if they aren't braver and stronger than women.  Today, it is important to promote gender equality, just as it is to promote all other aspects of equality, like racial equality, and it starts in the classroom.

You may be thinking that this is the 21st century and that gender equality is prevalent in many classrooms, and while that might be true, not all classes are gender neutral. According to Deanna Sellnow's study titled Teaching Strategies for a Gender Equitable Classroom,  it is important that we realize that "classrooms teaching styles are not the cause of gender discrimination; however, they may be perpetuating the problem." She also states that "Many negative gender stereotypes continue to shape adolscents' beliefs and behaviors." In Gender Equality in the Classroom, writer Aparna Rapol states that "the first thing that teachers need to consciously understand is that sex is a biological fact and gender is a social construct. Boys and girls do not have any natural psychological or social differences, but it is society that makes them learn gender roles."

There are many ways to make gender neutral classrooms. Some of these ways are sitting boys with girls, not segregating them, as well as telling both genders that they can be as successful as the other, whether it be in regards to any aspects of life, including extracurriculars, career choices, etc.  Sellnow also states that "the most important thing teachers can do to foster gender equity in the classroom is to include all students in the discussion." Not involving a student because they are shy is a bias and can easily be prevented. Another thing that teachers can do to have a gender equal classroom is not using masculine pronouns (ever feminine pronouns) in their examples, because neither are gender neutral. If they do this, they need to make sure that they alternate between male and female examples.  Teachers must also acknowledge statements made by student that disregard the other gender, and explain to them why it is wrong/hurtful. An interesting thing that Rapol wrote was that teachers shouldn't just call mom when a child is in trouble or they need something, they should actively involve dad too, and I totally agree with this.

Overall, it is extremely important that classrooms are gender neutral, and that teachers make a conscious effort to do so. It might be difficult, but it is worth it.