Gender in 21st Century Culture: Promoting Mutual Understanding & Respect
An increasing number of academic reports, as well as evidence from students’ own experience, highlights that our young people face tremendous pressure growing up in a social media culture of negative role models and harmful stereotypes.
At Bede we are aware that this pressure targets girls and boys, and we are actively working tohelp both navigate the challenge. In this context, we have arranged a series of workshops from Ben Oliver, from local organisation Worth Educating, who is an expert in supporting boys to build their self-esteem, protect their mental health and form healthy relationships. At the same time, PD Lead Caroline Park is exploring the pressures girls face: with more opportunities than any previous generation of women, but potentially even more harmful stereotypes and expectations imposed upon them.
While we have decided to split the sessions by sex – in order to encourage discussion and openness – our absolute and fundamental point is that we all need each other. A healthy society depends upon boys and girls, women and men, who can be the healthiest and fullest versions of themselves. Our emphasis is that no gender is the problem and that no gender is the victim – in fact we are all facing unrealistic expectations and we all have alternativechoices.
We want to open our young people’s eyes to some of the cultural pressures they face and offer them a ‘better story’– one in which we all play our equal part. Our first sessions with Year 9 have gone well, with students showing great interest and maturity, and we will feedback responses and insights as they continue.
In the meantime, we know that families may wish to explore these vital issues with their own children. To assist, some of the resources that inform the sessions are provided below, along with some parent-specific information.
We would also welcome feedback or discussion with parents as we work together to prepare the next generation for fulfilling roles and relationships grounded in mutual respect.
