"Gender Turf Battles"

Gender inequalities exists in and out of school discourses which consist of roles, rights, and privileges. Women have always been products of their social environments particularly with regard to society gender role expectations. Previously, women were offered training in skills that contributed to moral development and quality of a wife: music, drawing, singing, etc. Through the years, women have grained rights, access to privileges and roles that were once seen as “male-dominated”. But, women still are viewed as inferior in this culture of power (male-dominated). Poverty, race and education are some factors that reduce women’s status. In 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed which “granted” equal rights for girls and boys in ALL school programs. At present, although women don’t face the same discrimination presented during pass centuries, women are still seen as the “weaker sex.” Since schools are institutions that represent our society, which is controlled by the culture of power. It is evident that educators still press on traditional roles of women to perform better in English class, while boys are expected to do better in math and science. Sadly, these are the root causes for women to still play into these inequalities. Maher, F. in the article, “Gender”, presents us with various viewpoints by educators that either generate or hinder this idea that women should keep traditional roles as house wives; conservatives. On the other hand, Liberal-Progessive viewpoints are those that to a certain extent disregard racial, ethnic, disability, age, or gender differences and essential views all individuals as equals. This view allows peoples of all cultures and genders to participate and explore various options available to men. On a different note, social recontructionist teachers tackle and see the importance in understanding differences between gender, race, class, and cultures across disciplines. These educators question and “challenge societal inequalities reflected in their classrooms and make sure the curriculum contains explicit references to inequality and resistance”(273). It is important for teachers in the classroom to question, educate themselves and share their awareness about the prejudices that exists outside of the classroom, school, and in society as a whole. When students are exposed to such a learning environment, maybe then we will be acceptable of others for their differences and eventually do away with “gender turf battles” in our society. Therefore, it is important that in the classroom when we read various text we should always examine them from a critical perspective raising the questions that deal with gender roles as well as other cultures and how they are viewed in society. Through this, students will develop and understanding that if you are not part of the culture of power you are seen as inferior. The more cultures you are a part of the more obstacles you need to overcome.

The following video, highlights and raises questions on learning today.