Gender Related Concepts sex and gender, masculinity vs feminism, patriarchy, gender bias, gender parity, gender asymmetry PE 7 (B) Odisha B.Ed & Education Honours

Gender Related Concepts 

(sex and gender, masculinity vs feminism, patriarchy, gender bias, gender parity, gender asymmetry)

1. Introduction

Gender is a central and complex concept in educational, social, and psychological studies. In the context of school and society, gender-related concepts help us understand how individuals are perceived, treated, and provided with opportunities based on their biological identity (sex) and social identity (gender). These concepts are critical to analyze educational practices, classroom dynamics, curriculum, and the roles played by both teachers and students.

In India, like many other parts of the world, gender inequality has deeply rooted historical, cultural, and structural dimensions. Understanding the core concepts like sex and gender, masculinity and femininity, patriarchy, gender bias, gender parity, and gender asymmetry is essential for any teacher to promote inclusive, equitable, and just education.

2. Key Gender-Related Concepts

2.1. Sex and Gender

Sex

Refers to the biological differences between males and females.

These differences are universal, fixed, and based on physical anatomy (e.g., reproductive organs, chromosomes).

Example: Male (XY chromosome), Female (XX chromosome).

Gender

Refers to the social and cultural roles, expectations, and identities associated with being male or female.

Gender is not fixed—it is socially constructed, learned, and varies across societies and time.

It includes behavior, appearance, roles, emotions, and duties attributed to men and women.

Example: Girls should be nurturing, boys should be strong — these are gender norms, not biological truths.

Key Differences:

Aspect	Sex	Gender
Based on	Biology	Society and culture
Changeable?	No	Yes
Example	Male, Female	Masculine, Feminine
Determined by	Nature	Nurture

2.2. Masculinity vs Femininity

These refer to sets of attributes and roles society traditionally assigns to men and women.

Masculinity

Associated with strength, dominance, independence, emotional control, aggressiveness, and leadership.

Men are expected to be providers, decision-makers, and emotionally reserved.

Femininity

Associated with softness, emotionality, care-giving, submissiveness, and nurturing.

Women are expected to be homemakers, obedient, dependent, and polite.

These attributes are not biologically fixed, but are stereotyped expectations that can vary.

Problems with Stereotyping Masculinity and Femininity:

• Limits individual freedom.
• Reinforces discrimination.
• Makes boys ashamed of emotions and girls afraid of leadership.

Modern View:

Both men and women can have qualities like compassion, leadership, strength, and emotion.

Gender roles should be flexible and based on individual choice.

2.3. Patriarchy

Definition:

Patriarchy is a social system where men hold primary power and dominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

It institutionalizes male supremacy and reinforces gender inequality.

Characteristics:

• Male dominance in decision-making (home, society, politics).
• Sons preferred over daughters.
• Women's work undervalued or unpaid.
• Girls discouraged from education or employment.
• Control over women's mobility and sexuality.

Examples in Indian Context:

Dowry practices.

Son preference and female foeticide.

Limited property rights for women.

Restrictions on women’s clothing and movement.

Impact in Education:

Fewer girls in STEM fields.

Teachers expecting girls to be quiet and obedient.

Textbooks depicting only men as leaders or scientists.

2.4. Gender Bias

Definition:

Gender bias is a preference or prejudice toward one gender over another.

It often results in unequal treatment, opportunities, and expectations.

Forms in Schools:

• Teachers giving more attention to boys.
• Girls expected to clean classrooms or do supportive tasks.
• Boys given leadership roles (monitors, sports captains).
• Girls discouraged from assertiveness or science subjects.

Examples:

Assuming girls are bad at math.

Teachers interrupting girls more than boys.

Expecting boys to be naughty and active.

Consequences:

• Low self-esteem in girls.
• Lack of career confidence.
• Reinforcement of stereotypes.

2.5. Gender Parity

Definition:

Gender parity refers to equal representation and participation of both genders in various fields—education, employment, politics, etc.

It is often measured using ratios like:

Gender Parity Index (GPI) in education: ratio of girls to boys enrolled in school.

Importance:

Gender parity ensures that girls and boys get equal opportunities.

Reduces gender-based gaps in literacy, employment, and income.

Leads to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Government Initiatives for Gender Parity:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana
• Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
• National Policy for Women Empowerment
• Scholarships for girl students.

2.6. Gender Asymmetry

Definition:

Gender asymmetry means there is imbalance or inequality between men and women in roles, rights, resources, and recognition.

It highlights how social structures favor one gender, usually male, over others.

Examples:

Women doing more household work but receiving no pay.

Less representation of women in leadership roles.

Unequal access to resources (education, healthcare).

In Education:

Girls having less access to school toilets.

Fewer female teachers in secondary or STEM subjects.

Boys encouraged to take competitive exams more than girls.

Need for Addressing Asymmetry:

Empower girls with skills, rights, and confidence.

Encourage boys to challenge toxic masculinity.

Build an equitable school culture through sensitization and curriculum reforms.

3. Role of Teachers in Addressing Gender Issues

Area	Role of Teacher
Curriculum	Use gender-inclusive examples, stories, and images
Language	Avoid sexist language like "manpower" or "chairman"
Assessment	Ensure fair evaluation of boys and girls
Classroom Behavior	Give equal opportunities to speak, lead, and participate
Awareness Programs	Conduct sessions on gender sensitization
Role Modeling	Show respect, fairness, and challenge stereotypes

4. Government and Educational Policies Promoting Gender Equality

NCF 2005 emphasizes equity and gender justice.

NEP 2020 promotes gender-inclusion funds and gender-sensitive curriculum.

POSCO Act, Child Rights Charter, and Right to Education Act (2009) also indirectly support girls' rights and equality.

5. Real-Life Examples of Gender-Inclusive Practices

Schools offering unisex uniforms to break dress code norms.

Introduction of gender studies in school curriculum.

Using female names in math/science problems.

Encouraging girls in robotics or science clubs.

6. Challenges in Promoting Gender Equality

Challenge	Example
Deep-rooted social norms	Belief that boys are smarter
Parental pressure	Girls not allowed to study late
Lack of female role models	Fewer women teachers in STEM
Teacher bias	Teachers unconsciously favoring boys

7. Suggestions for Improvement

• Conduct regular gender sensitization workshops for teachers and students.
• Use inclusive textbooks and TLMs.
• Appoint gender coordinators in schools.
• Include parent awareness programs.
• Ensure infrastructure like girls’ toilets and safe transport.

8. Conclusion

Understanding key gender-related concepts is vital to build an equitable and inclusive educational system. Teachers play a powerful role in shaping children's beliefs about gender. By recognizing the differences between sex and gender, challenging patriarchy, addressing gender bias, and promoting parity, schools can become agents of social transformation. Education must not only inform minds but also reform attitudes and empower all genders equally.