Combatting Toxic Masculinity In Our Schools – Un-Teaching Gender Stereotypes For Boys

“All of this matters. All of these subtle and not-so-subtle messages are how we teach masculinity and femininity to children. It is important to remember that there is no biological reason why boys should not play with dolls or wear dresses. There is no biological reason for boys to like cars or diggers. There is no biological reason for boys to like guns.

In contrast, there is a biological reason for boys to cry, it’s called human expression and development.

I have spoken to parents who say their sons just have a natural interest in cars and wheeled transport, as if this was developed in the womb. Never mind that if you pop into most baby and kids stores you will see that boy’s clothing is covered in vehicles and machines. . . .”

Excerpt from Mackay, Finn. 2017. “Combatting Toxic Masculinity In Our Schools – Un-Teaching Gender Stereotypes For Boys.” Teachwire, June 6. Retrieved June 14, 2017 (https://www.teachwire.net/news/combatting-toxic-masculinity-in-our-schools-un-teaching-gender-stereotypes-?utm_content=buffer0af3f). [Photo in original.]