Identifying gender stereotypes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe examples of gender stereotypes and explain ways to challenge them.
Key learning points
- There are many stereotypes about gender that are untrue.
- 'Fundamental difference' and 'average difference' are not the same thing.
- Gender stereotypes are harmful and can allow mistreatment of women to continue.
- If we can identify stereotypes, we can challenge them.
- Gender equality means everyone should be treated fairly and have the same opportunities, no matter their gender.
Keywords
Stereotype - an unfair belief about someone based on their characteristics
Sexism - treating people differently or unfairly based on their gender
Gender equality - when people have fair opportunities and rights, and are treated equally regardless of their gender
Common misconception
Gender equality is about trying to make women better than men.
Gender equality is not about trying to make one gender better than another; it's about making them equal. Gender equality is the belief that all people should have the same rights, opportunities and respect, regardless of their gender.
Teacher tip
Acknowledge some of the observations that pupils may have made about gendered differences (such as average height). Ensure that you regularly counteract this with examples of people who defy gendered norms and prove that gender should not be a barrier to almost all activities.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word means when there is an unfair situation where one person has more opportunities or rights than another?
Q2.The 1800s were a time of inequality and for women.
Q3.Which group only used peaceful tactics when trying to get the vote for women?
Q4.Which war improved how people viewed women and helped lead to women getting the vote?
Q5.Put the following events in chronological order.
Q6.Why is campaigning for women's rights still important today?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a gender stereotype?
Q2.Why can gender stereotypes be harmful?
Q3.What does gender equality mean?
Q4.Match the word to its correct meaning.
treating people differently or unfairly based on their gender
on average, one group might be different from another group
something is true for all people in a group, with no exceptions
Q5.If we can spot , we can challenge them and make things fairer.
Q6.Why is it especially important to challenge stereotypes about women and girls?
To help you plan your 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Identifying 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: Identifying 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.