Suggested Grade/Age Range: Grades 7-8

Activity Objective: The purpose of this activity is to explore and compare gender norms to gender stereotypes and how we personally experience them.

Materials Required:

• Labels for the classroom: “Gender Stereotype”, “Gender Norm”, “Unsure”
• Answer sheet to the statements to refer to during the class discussion

Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Prepare all needed materials
• Post labels made to the assigned spots in the classroom

Task Time: 40 minutes

Activity Description:

 1.       Gather the whole class at the back of the room and tell them that they will be exploring their personal experiences with gender norms and stereotypes. Tell them you will be reading a series of statements. Explain that one side of the classroom will be designated “gender stereotypes”, the other side “gender norms” and the middle as “unsure”

Explain that a gender stereotype is a statement presented as a fact about a gender and that a gender norm is an overall expectation attached to masculinity or femininity

2.       Tell the class that you will be reading a series of statements and after each one, they are to choose one of the categories described above and move to that area. Let the class know that they do not have to share why they made their choice unless they wanted to

3.       Reach each statement and allow time for individuals to move to the different sides of the room. Offer the opportunity to share for individuals who want to discuss the reason behind their choice and then continue onto the next statement. Use these statements:

a)      All boys/men like to play sports

b)      All girls/women like to wear dresses

c)       Showing affection is a strictly feminine quality and therefore, only girls/women should show affection

d)      Being tough and strong is a strictly masculine quality and therefore, only boys/men should be tough and strong

e)       All girls/women like to cook

f)        All boys/men like cars

g)      Being emotional and sensitive is a strictly feminine quality and therefore, only girls/women should be emotional and sensitive

h)      Engaging in physical labour is a strictly masculine quality and therefore, only boys/men should be engaged in physically labourious work

i)        Boys/men don’t cry

j)        Girls/women don’t fart

4.       Before sharing answers to the statements, reassure the class that it’s okay if they didn’t get the correct answer as gender norms and stereotypes can be blurry and overlap. Part of challenging existing gender norms and stereotypes is around the process of distinguishing between them. Generally, one can think of gender stereotypes as those that are presented as facts whereas gender norms are presented as expectations. They can both be restrictive of gender expression and identity

5.       Take up each statement and facilitate discussion around them:

• How do you feel about this statement?
• How can this limit our behaviour? Our freedom to express ourselves?
• How can this gender norm/stereotype contribute negatively to relationships?
• How can this gender norm/stereotype be challenged?

6.       Complete the discussion by emphasizing the importance of awareness and reflection about gender norms and stereotypes so that we can engage with one another in mutually fair and respectful relationships

Activity Extensions:

• Have the class form small groups for discussion about how to strategically challenge gender stereotypes and norms in their everyday lives and have each small group present to the whole class
• Have individuals choose one of the statements above and write a personal reflection on how that statement had impacted them

Additional Comments:

Activity adapted from: Zook, M., Chan, K.B.K., Chabot, F., & Neron, B. (2017). Beyond the basics: A resource for educators on sexuality and sexual health. Ottawa: Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights.