Being a current teacher in a DEIS school and through past subbing experiences, I believe that the students I taught are more likely to exhibit gender stereotypes. It should be mentioned that tackling this stereotype and ensuring that it doesn’t continue in the future depend heavily on development education.Methodologies used in development education can be extremely effective in eradicating gender stereotypes by encouraging inclusivity, empathy, and critical thinking. I believe that breaking down traditional gender roles through a variety of texts and books from various points of view, as well as through interactive lessons and debates about how gender roles are viewed.
Some boys and girls learn early on that girls like to play with dolls, like the colour pink, while boys choose macho activities and don’t display emotion. These are a few stereotypes about gender that people might have.Although I believe that gender stereotypes have much improved in some areas, such as males wearing pink clothing., there still seems to be a long way to go in others.I continue to believe that gender stereotypes can be pervasive in classrooms with students of all ages. When examining gender roles during Aistear or free play as early as junior infants stereotypes become obvious.For example, the male student may establish himself in the masculine roles of the builder, or police officer on various occasions, while the female student will take on the role play position of the nurse/waitress/hairdresser.