Bitesize Research: Talking To Students About Misogyny

By Jaya Carrier

I hope you’re all having a good week so far. A few months ago, Sophie and Anita led an INSET session about how to address some of the challenging misogynistic ideas presented by students. I know that YCs are also doing some further training to help empower their tutor teams on this too. In particular, with Andrew Tate recently being arrested, there has been lots of public discussion on this and about how schools can work with young people effectively. As such, I was interested to read an article in the TES magazine outlining some strategies for this.

Objectives: To understand key strategies to use when speaking to students about misogyny  and Andrew Tate. 

Summary: 

• The author identifies some of the difficulties with tackling these views in a school context. He suggests five strategies when working with young people on this topic:

1. Avoid silencing boys - the author argues that some well-intentioned attempts to shut down misogynistic conversations actually entrench the problems and worsen them. The author argues that teachers should reframe these as ‘teachable moments’ and give boys a space to have their ideas listened to and challenged by ‘calling them in’ rather than ‘calling them out’ (as the latter very rarely creates attitudinal shifts).

2. Understand the reasons why boys are susceptible to these ideas - allured by his lifestyle and wealth, many boys see Andrew Tate as a role model. The author argues that when boys realise that his wealth has been created by ‘incendiary content sharing’ they will begin to understand he is not as glamorous as he appears to be.

3. Use assemblies or lessons to challenge - the author argues that teachers should not fear mentioning Tate, but that they should use opportunities to highlight and challenge his views. He argues that male teachers doing this is particularly helpful.

4. CPD - the author argues that staff can be given the right tools for this through CPD.

5. Avoid focussing just on Andrew Tate - the author argues that putting misogynistic views into a wider perspective is helpful

How does this impact me and my practice?: Some reflections arising from this that might be helpful to consider are: 

• How confident do you feel with addressing some of these issues?

• Which strategies are you currently using? Which do you need more support or practise with?

Please do get in touch if you would like to talk further about this - I’d love to hear from you!