Gender-Sensitivity in Teacher Education?!

Discrimination-Criticism in Education Using the Example of Gender

Abstract

Gender as a central dimension of diversity is inextricably linked to processes of social identity construction and to aspects of inequality, the effects of which become visible in all societal structures. In school, as a significant social space, omnipresent heteronormative gender stereotypes and gender-specific expectations counteract children’s and adolescents’ self-determined personality development. Moreover, heteronormativity hinders the aim of gender equality, which is enshrined in educational standards and curricula. At first, the article presents both everyday and scientific concepts related to gender and sexual diversity (also in the context of school and university) to examine gender as a diversity dimension. This also includes an examination of queer lifestyles and corresponding everyday terms (e.g., trans*, inter*, non-binary, etc.) as well as an understanding of heteronormativity and gender as a social construct (doing gender). Furthermore, this article highlights the effects of gender stereotypes in school to emphasize the need for gender-sensitive teaching. With regard to the overarching model called Reflexive Handlungsfähigkeit (reflective disposition for teacher performance) (Qualitätsoffensive Lehrerbildung, Leibniz University Hannover), this article finally presents gender-sensitive teaching concepts and practical suggestions.