As educators, it is essential for us to teach our students about social dynamics that exist in our society. One such aspect is the patriarchal system, which has been perpetuated for ages. In patriarchal system, men hold primary power and the domination over women in both public and private spheres of life. Patriarchal values have been responsible for creating gender inequalities in many societies around the world.
Teaching students about the patriarchy system is crucial because it gives them the tools to understand why women and other groups have faced injustices and discrimination in society. It is through recognizing and acknowledging the existence of these inequalities that we can take steps towards ending them.
There are several ways to teach students about the patriarchal system. One approach is by discussing social and historical events that have entrenched gender roles. For instance, exploring the suffrage movement and the women’s rights movement can help students understand how women had to fight for their rights. Similarly, discussions around changes in laws regarding women’s economic rights and legal rights over children can allow students to analyze the changing power dynamics between genders.
Students can also be taught about the patriarchal system by using examples or case studies from current events. For instance, discussions around gender pay-gap, women and leadership positions, and harassment at the workplace expose how entrenched patriarchal values exist in our current society.
Another approach is through pop culture. Fictional settings, movies, or literature can also be used to teach students about the social dynamics that exist within the patriarchy system. Students can analyze the portrayal of men and women in fictional works and discuss how these portrayals reflect prevalent, underlying societal beliefs.
Ultimately, as educators, our role is to prepare students for the community they will enter after school, and that community is one permeated by the patriarchy. Therefore, it is essential to have conversations around gender-based discrimination, sexism, myths that support patriarchy, toxic masculinity and femininity, among others. These conversations will help students gain a deeper understanding of our society and promote gender equity.
In conclusion, teaching students about the patriarchal system is an essential aspect of education for a just and equitable society. Conversations around gender-based discrimination and social dynamics that exist within the patriarchy system equip students with the necessary tools for analysis and action. Through such learning, students will become agents of positive change and advocates for social justice.
