Contextualising gender expectations in ‘An Inspector Calls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how gender expectations and stereotypes are represented in ‘An Inspector Calls’.
Key learning points
- Arguably, gender stereotypes and expectations exist in society and impact the way we perceive ourselves and others.
- Gender and class are inextricably linked and impact the lives and experiences of people differently.
- Gender roles were more traditionally defined in Edwardian society.
- Priestley was writing in post-war Britain which saw the traditional expectations of gender roles being challenged.
- Priestley’s ending is both hopeful, with characters challenging views, and futile, as society repeats its mistakes.
Keywords
Stereotype - a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like
Futile - pointless or ineffective, and will not lead to any useful result or meaningful change
Enforce - make sure something is obeyed or carried out, often by applying rules, laws, or authority
Gender roles - the stereotypical role or behaviour considered to be appropriate to a particular gender
Traditional - a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by people for a long time; old-fashioned
Common misconception
Priestley suggests that all gender roles have been successfully challenged by the end of the play.
A more nuanced view is that argaubly Priestley shows both progress and resistance, suggesting that while some characters challenge gender roles, societal change is slow and not fully realised.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to remind pupils what a patriarchal society is and how it might enhance stereotypes of gender.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In which year is 'An Inspector Calls' set?
Q2.In which year did J.B. Priestley write 'An Inspector Calls' ?
Q3.Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' into chronological order.
Q4.Match the characters from 'An Inspector Calls' to the correct description of their role in Eva Smith's death.
Fires Eva Smith for her role in a workers' dispute over pay.
Stole money to to help Eva Smith after discovering her pregnancy.
Has Eva Smith fired over jealousy of a dress.
Had an affair with Eva Smith and supported her financially for a time.
Q5.Which of the following sentences does not use tentative language?
Q6.Which of these could be considered key themes in ‘An Inspector Calls’?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the term "gender roles" refer to?
Q2.Which word beginning with 'f' can be described as: pointless or ineffective, and will not lead to any useful result or meaningful change
Q3.Complete the sentence: In 'An Inspector Calls' at the beginning of Act 1, Mrs Birling describes the work that men do as .
Q4.Which of the following best describes how Eva Smith's working-class position affects her in 'An Inspector Calls'?
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls' at the beginning of Act 1, Mr Birling suggests that clothes are important to women as they ...
Q6.Which is the best interpretation for the statement that Priestley’s ending of 'An Inspector Calls' could be seen as both hopeful and futile?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Contextualising gender expectations in ‘An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Contextualising gender expectations in ‘An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the ‘An Inspector Calls’: societal expectations of gender and class unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.