Challenging gender stereotypes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how society can make life better for women and girls in modern Britain.
Key learning points
- Women and girls face specific forms of discrimination and unequal treatment based on their gender.
- Issues may include being treated differently at work or school, and being made to feel unsafe.
- Stereotyping reinforces misogynistic attitudes and can normalise discriminatory behaviour toward women and girls.
- We can actively and safely challenge gender stereotypes and call out discriminatory language or assumptions.
- Achieving gender equality benefits society as a whole, not just women and girls.
Keywords
Stereotype - an unfair belief about someone based on their characteristics
Discrimination - treating a person unfairly because of their characteristics
Misogyny - dislike or unfair treatment of women and girls, often shown through unkind beliefs or actions
Common misconception
Misogyny is harmless and does not have a serious impact.
Misogyny is unacceptable. It can lead to the unfair or harmful treatment of women and girls, such as harassment and violence. It can also make them feel less confident, undervalued and even scared.
Teacher tip
Make yourself aware of any anti-sexism policies within your school, so that you can contextualise the learning.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word means treating people differently or unfairly based on their gender?
Q2.Which of these is an example of a gender stereotype?
Q3.A girl wants to join the robotics club but is told "that's for boys." What is happening here?
Q4.Gender equality does mean trying to make women better than men.
Q5.Why might gender stereotypes be harmful?
Q6.Match each situation to whether it shows fair or unfair treatment.
unfair treatment based on gender
fair treatment based on equal opportunities
lack of job opportunities caused by unfair treatment
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are some inequalities women and girls may face in modern Britain?
Q2.What can happen if people believe unfair stereotypes about women and girls?
Q3.Match the word to its correct meaning.
treating a person unfairly because of their characteristics
dislike or unfair treatment of women and girls
when people have fair opportunities and rights, regardless of gender
Q4.When we speak up and challenge stereotypes, we help make the world a place.
Q5.Someone says "misogyny isn't a big deal - it's just words and doesn't really hurt anyone." Is this statement true or false?
Q6.Your friend says "cooking is a girl's job." What is the safest way to challenge this gender stereotype?
To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Challenging gender stereotypes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Challenging gender stereotypes, 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 2 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Communities: How can we ensure fairness and respect for women and girls? unit, dive into the full primary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.