Instructions
- Read carefully: Work through each section in order, as the concepts build upon each other.
- Reflect honestly: There are no "wrong" thoughts when exploring unconscious bias—the goal is awareness, not perfection.
- Complete the tables: Follow the provided examples to fill in the blank rows.
- Apply your knowledge: Use the final section to propose real-world changes for your school or community.
- Challenge yourself: If you finish early, attempt the "Extension Quest" at the end.
Section 1: The Media Audit
Gender stereotypes are oversimplified ideas about how people should act or look based on their gender. We see these daily in movies, ads, and social media.
Task: Identify examples of gender stereotypes in media you have seen recently (TV, TikTok, Instagram, Movies).
| Media Source | Observed Stereotype | The Message It Sends |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Cleaning Product Ad | Only women are shown cleaning the house. | Household chores are a female responsibility. |
Section 2: Decoding Unconscious Bias
Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone has them—it's how our brains categorize the world quickly.
The Riddle: A father and son are in a horrible car crash that kills the dad. The son is rushed to the hospital; just as he’s about to go under the knife, the surgeon says, "I can’t operate—that boy is my son!"
1. How is this possible? (Write your first thought below)
2. Reflection: If you struggled to realize the surgeon was the mother, why do you think that is? If you solved it instantly, why do you think younger generations find this easier than older generations?
Section 3: From Bias to Inclusion
Inclusive practice means changing our language and behavior to ensure everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their gender identity.
Task: Rewrite the following biased phrases or situations to be more inclusive.
| Biased/Gendered Language | Inclusive Alternative | Why the change matters? |
|---|---|---|
| Example: "Hey guys, listen up!" | "Alright everyone, listen up!" | Ensures non-male people feel included in the group. |
| "Man up and stop crying." | ||
| "We need a strong man for this job." | ||
| "She’s very bossy for a girl." | ||
| "Boys don't belong in dance class." |
Section 4: The School Culture Consultant
Scenario: You have been hired as a consultant to make your school more gender-inclusive. Choose one area of school life (Sports, Careers/Subjects, or Social Spaces) and answer the following:
1. Area chosen: __
2. Identify one current barrier: (e.g., "Only boys play football at lunch because they take up the whole field.")
3. Proposed Inclusive Practice: (How would you fix it?)
4. Potential Impact: (How will this help students' mental health or wellbeing?)
Section 5: Extension Quest (Optional)
Research the term "The Pink Tax." Explain what it is in two sentences and describe how it represents a systemic gender bias in the real world.
Answer Key
Section 1: The Media Audit Answers will vary. Examples might include: Makeup ads only featuring women (message: beauty is for females); Action movies where the hero is always male (message: strength is a male trait).
Section 2: Decoding Unconscious Bias
- The surgeon is the boy's mother. (Alternatively, the boy has two fathers).
- Discussion point: Our brains often associate high-status medical roles with men due to historical representation in media and society.
Section 3: From Bias to Inclusion
- "Man up": "It's okay to show your emotions." (Validation of feelings for all genders).
- "Strong man": "We need a physically capable person." (Focuses on skill, not gender).
- "Bossy": "She has great leadership skills." (Removes the double standard for assertive women).
- "Dance class": "Dance is a sport for everyone." (Encourages passion over stereotypes).
Section 4: School Culture Consultant Student-led responses. High-quality answers should identify a specific problem and offer a logical, respectful solution that promotes equality.
Section 5: Extension Quest The Pink Tax refers to the tendency for products marketed specifically to women (like razors or deodorants) to be more expensive than nearly identical products marketed to men. It represents systemic bias by placing a financial burden on individuals based on gendered marketing.