Jeffren P.

Miguel BSED-ENGL 4 February 13, 2014

Social Dimensions of Education

Reflection on Gender Equality and Inequality in Schools
Prof. Maria Teresa Isidor, PhD

The documentary film about Gender made me prove something; that there is really
gender stereotyping not just in the Philippines, but in the whole wide world. Before, I
thought that gender typing can only be seen here in the Philippines, for we were brought
up in a patriarchal society and unfortunately we were not able to successfully resolve the
issue of inequality between male and female roles. I realized I was mistaken because
even in first world countries like the United States, gender stereotyping and gender
inequality are still present.

“Women are not supposed to play football” and “Men should be the breadwinner
of the family” are two simple sentences that I heard in the film. These are just simple
sentences, but these sentences presents a complex conflict between men and women in
a particular society. From these statements, gender stereotyping, or the characteristics
deemed acceptable for a male or female, is very obvious. Men are expected to be the
sole provider and foundation of the family, and do “hard” works for the sake of his wife
and children’s hungry mouths. Women, on the other hand, are expected to do the gentle
tasks such as caring and rearing the children, household chores, and any other works
that need extensive care. If these gender roles are altered, the society usually thinks that
something is not right and there is a need to address this mistake.

I find this present situation of the society very unfair. Even in some school class
record, boys are separated from girls. Girls are expected to excel in Languages and Home
Economics, and boys should be good in Mathematics and Sciences. The school plays a
big role in gender formation. Even at start of education (preschool education, for
example), boys are separated from girls. This attitude will be brought by the students until
they reach the world of work. I suggest this scheme will be changed. It should be good if
girls excel in Math, and boys love the Home Economics subject.
 I am happy that the Ateneo de Davao is no longer following the boys-girls order in
doing their class records. The learners never find themselves separated in terms of
capacity and level of knowledge. When they enter the real world outside of school, they
will bring with them the equality that they have experienced. The school, therefore, is the
place where gender inequality will be considered a big “NO.”

-oOo-

If I am given the chance to be born again, I would still want to be a male. Aside
from the reason that I don’t want to experience menstruation, I still want to be a male
because I am perfectly happy being a man. Although I am gay, I still couldn’t imagine if I
had a female’s anatomical structure.