The Importance Of Gender Stereotypes In Schools

Australian students are faced with an array of stereotypes particularly surrounding gender. Curriculum resources used in schools, including texts such as fairy tales, contain male and female stereotypes which do not represent all children. As discussed by National Union of Teachers (2013), it is important for educators to challenge these stereotypes to create an inclusive environment. Furthermore, it is important for educators to understand that the relationships connecting gender role models and providing opportunities for children to connect with them directly relate to children 's own gender based behaviours (MacNaughton, 2000, p. 13-15). It is also imperative for educators to recognise and eradicate the many stereotypes which effect students

Malaguzzi (1993, p. 1) states the importance of recognising that each child within the classroom, brings unique experiences, feelings, and relationships with them. Interviewee B’s discussion of Jessica’s schooling experience supports this idea. She discusses that the staff at Jessica’s school to into account Jessica’s individual experience as a transgender child to assist her in transition from male to female in the classroom. She noted the extremities of the school’s actions to support her daughter and allow her to feel included and safe during the transitional period. Interviewee B discussed the school informing her fellow parents of the change along with information about gender dysphoria, the use of literature to explain the change to children at a level they understood and the conscious effort made by staff to use female

Children whom have same-sex parents are often constrained by societal expectations that they too will be homosexual (Poynting & Morgan, 2007). Poynting and Morgan (2007), discuss the outrageous reactions to topics surrounding homosexuality and the alarming number of individuals whom display homophobic behaviours. The article further discussed an example of a televised children’s program depicting a same-sex couple accompanying children to a theme park in 2004. The segment which portrayed this scene was a regular feature which represents diversity within Australian children 's lives and to reflect current social trends. This particular scene sparked controversy as the show had portrayed adult and homosexual themes (Poynting & Morgan, 2007, p. 211-212). It is important for educators to be aware of such occurrences within the media and be prepared for children to raise questions. This is because, as discussed by Malaguzzi (1993, p. 1), children question the adults as they are their role models and the expectations that the children have of the adults and the adults have of the children are important when preparing to answer such