Challenging the narrative: Thinking critically about misogyny

Explore the impact of misogyny and help limit the spread of harmful misconceptions, beliefs and attitudes.

Download KS3-4 lesson pack
Addressing misogyny cover image v3

 

Developed with the support of academics from the University of and funding from the European Research Council, the lessons are underpinned by academic research into online safety, social learning, attitude change and prejudice reduction — and recent work investigating how the manosphere is affecting children and teachers’ experiences in schools. 

These materials fully align with new statutory RSHE guidance in force from September (which places much stronger emphasis on misogyny) and form part of our support package to get schools ready. 

To accompany the lessons, we’ve also released a new episode of our PSHE Talks podcast featuring Dr Harriet Over from the University of York, and a new dedicated on-demand training course (available exclusively to School Plus members).

  • See video and read full transcript

    Listen now on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

    We caught up with Harriet Over, professor of developmental and social psychology at the University of York, to learn more about:

    • The history and business model behind the manosphere — interrogating how and why these ideas have been popularised.
    • The evidence and research base underpinning our lessons on this topic.
    • How you can support boys and young men in your role as PSHE teachers.
    • Reasons to be optimistic for the future of boys and young men, including the success of recent approaches and interventions.
  • Learning objective

    Programme of Study

    DfE statutory guidance

    Key stage 3

    Lesson 1

    To learn about the harm misogynistic beliefs and attitudes can cause to women and girls, and to men and boys, and why these beliefs are inaccurate.

    Lesson 2

    To learn how misogynistic ideas can spread, and how to respond to and report misogynistic content.

    Inclusion, bullying and discrimination

    • the impact of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination on individuals and relationships, including online; that prejudice-based language and behaviour, including sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, racism, ageism, ableism and faith-based prejudice, are unacceptable and cause harm to individuals and communities; how to challenge discrimination safely (RR9)

    Respectful relationships

    9: How stereotypes, in particular stereotypes based on sex, gender reassignment, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability, can cause damage (e.g. how they might normalise non-consensual behaviour or encourage prejudice). Pupils should be equipped to recognise misogyny and other forms of prejudice.
    12: Pupils should have an opportunity to discuss how some sub-cultures might influence our understanding of sexual ethics, including the sexual norms endorsed by so-called “involuntary celibates” (incels) or online influencers.

     

    Online safety and awareness

    8: That the internet contains inappropriate and upsetting content, some of which is illegal, including unacceptable content that encourages misogyny, violence or use of weapons. Pupils should be taught where to go for advice and support about something they have seen online. Pupils should understand that online content can present a distorted picture of the world and normalise or glamorise behaviours which are unhealthy and wrong.

    Key stage 4

    Lesson 1

    To learn about the harms caused to girls, women, boys and men by misogynistic beliefs and attitudes, why these ideas are inaccurate, and how they spread online.

    Lesson 2

    To learn about misogyny in different contexts, and how to safely challenge and limit the spread of misogynistic beliefs and attitudes.

    Inclusion, bullying and discrimination

    • how false or harmful narratives promoted by some online communities or influencers can distort understanding and cause harm (RR12)
    • to recognise misogynistic attitudes and behaviours and how they have a detrimental effect on everyone (female and male)’s wellbeing, relationships and sexual ethics (RR9, RR12)
    • how harmful narratives can spread online, including misogynistic or violent ideas; how to report disturbing or inappropriate content and where to seek advice and support related to online content that normalises or glamorises unhealthy or illegal behaviours (OSA8)
    • safe and appropriate ways to challenge misogynistic ideas, how to support those affected, and how to limit the spread of misogynistic beliefs and attitudes (RR9, RR12)
KS 3-4

Addressing misogyny and the manosphere through PSHE education

30 mins School Plus members

Develop subject knowledge and build confidence to address misogyny and the manosphere in the PSHE classroom.

Download the free lesson pack

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