Gender Lesson 3 How gender roles work

In this lesson we are going to… Talk about what you would like to be when you grow up Look at people in different professions and why these women and men chose them Think about whether some jobs are only for women or only for men

When I grow up I want to be a… Farmer Firefighter Nurse Hairdresser Dancer Doctor Truck Driver Teacher Dentist Builder Actor Footballer ??????

I am a dancer I work in Russia I have been dancing since I was 4 years old I like all kinds of dance but ballet is my favourite I love to dance on a big stage with an orchestra I like making people feel happy when I dance Am I a woman or a man?

I am a hairdresser I work in Ireland I make people feel happy and pretty I cut, wash and style people’s hair I ask them what style they like and create it for them I love it when my customers are happy with their hair Am I a woman or a man?

I am a nurse I work in Germany When people are sick they come into the hospital where I work Once the doctor knows what is wrong, I help the patient I give them medicine and change their bandages An important part of my job is making sick people feel safe and happy Am I a woman or a man ?

I am a car mechanic I work in Egypt When people’s cars and trucks break down I fix them I sometimes use special tools and machines to fix cars People need their cars fixed quickly so I am always very busy Am I a woman or a man?

I am a helicopter pilot I work in Canada I fly a special rescue helicopter If people are sick and need to get to a hospital far away my job is to fly them there Sometimes people are a bit scared in the helicopter Flying a helicopter is very exciting Am I a woman or a man?

To be a …. mechanic hairdresser helicopter pilot nurse You need to be… kind brave strong gentle smart friendly fast patient

Is it fair? Can boys be whatever they want? Can girls be whatever they want? Why?

I work in Ireland I am a hairdresser I work in Canada I am a helicopter pilot I work in Egypt I am a mechanic I work in Germany I am a nurse

What did we learn?

Extension Activities Class could work on two collages one titled ‘Boys can…’ the other ‘Girls can…’. Pictures of men and women in non-traditional roles i.e. woman fire fighter, male nurse are used to make up the collage. (for more details see ‘Lesson Plan’) Guest speakers could be invited to the class who break stereotypes i.e. male hairdresser, female judge, etc. Class could do a project around International Women’s Day Write a story and draw a picture ‘If I was a fire-fighter/nurse/police officer’.