Teachers are to be issued with guidance on how to combat misogyny in the
classroom after a study found that sexist attitudes were “evident” in Scottish schools.
Teaching union the EIS listed casual use of derogatory language, dismissive attitudes towards girls and mockery when girls or women adopt non-
stereotypical gender roles among the problems within schools.
Later this year, the union will issue the Get it Right for Girls report, which will include advice to its members on how to deal with sexist bullying towards both pupils and staff.
In an article that appeared in the Scottish Education Journal, an EIS spokesperson wrote: “The EIS conducted group discussions in 2015 on the extent of misogynistic attitudes amongst children and young people and found that misogynistic attitudes towards women and girls are evident in a variety of forms within educational establishments, from overt sexual bullying to casual sexist comments, which some seek to trivialise as humour.
“Misogyny begins to take root in the early years of a child’s development, much of which is influenced by the home environment.
“Thereafter such attitudes, if unchallenged at home or at school and
college and beyond, can become firmly embedded.
“The effect of such a culture of misogyny and sexist stereotyping on children and young people, both female and male, can be significant in hindering personal and social development in the short term, as well as having longer term damaging consequences for individuals and for society as a whole.
“The new guidance, which will be distributed to all establishments and be available to download from the EIS website, is intended to support EIS members in addressing the issue.”
Faye Harland, a PhD student and teacher of first and second year students at Dundee University, said: “I think a lot more could be done to educate students about sexism and misogyny in society.
“I mainly teach students between the ages of 18 and 20 and what I have noticed is that only one or two students are informed about what misogyny is, with most of them being self-taught.
“Sexism and misogyny is something all teachers in secondary schools should be aware of. Formal education on misogyny would benefit further education across all subjects.
“I revealed some facts that took several of my students by surprise, where at a primary school level, boys and girls are all interested in science and technology.
“However, when they get to secondary school, it appears that boys are pushed towards science and technology degrees over girls.
“Giving guidance to teachers on how to educate children about misogyny is an important thing to do.”
