Overview

Gender norms are the informal rules that shape perceptions of masculinity and femininity, often portraying men as strong and aggressive, while women are seen as polite and nurturing. These rigid norms affect how individuals behave and interact, perpetuating unequal power relations and contributing to gender-based violence, which ultimately harms all genders.

For Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) to be effective, gender needs to be a focus. This means directly addressing the social and cultural norms that drive unequal power dynamics and allow violence to be justified.

Why gender matters in Respectful Relationships Education

Gender is a social construct

Gender is not just about biology. It is about the social attributes, opportunities and norms associated with being male or female. These norms are learned and influence how we see ourselves and others. RRE helps students recognise and question these gender norms. By understanding gender as a social construct, students are empowered to see that behaviours and roles are not fixed and can be changed for the better.

Embedding this understanding in school culture drives real, lasting change. For practical strategies see Promoting gender equality in schools.

Gender stereotypes

Gender stereotypes are simplistic assumptions and generalisations about the attributes, skills, behaviours, preferences and roles that people are expected to have or demonstrate based on their gender. These attributes are often perceived as natural or innate but are the result of people of different genders being socialised in different ways.

Examples of gender stereotypes that may be familiar are that men are aggressive and in control of their emotions, often having to suppress these emotions and be ‘tough’. Women are regarded as polite, nurturing and gentle.

RRE helps students understand and challenge gender stereotypes and dismantle ideas that perpetuate disrespect, discrimination and violence. Ultimately, learning about gender stereotypes gives students the tools to critically analyse the world around them and to create a more equitable and respectful environment for all.

Addressing harmful masculinities

Schools are places where rigid, and often harmful, expressions of masculinity can be learnt and reinforced. These hegemonic masculinities (the most valued ways of being a man) can lead to adverse outcomes for all students, including:

• increased violence – young men who strongly adhere to rigid masculine norms are more likely to use violence
• mental health issues – pressure to be tough and suppress emotions can harm young men’s mental health, contributing to higher rates of depression and suicide (Our Watch, Men in focus, 2024).

RRE promotes a range of masculinities, including caring masculinities and healthier, more progressive expressions of masculinity that value empathy, emotional expression and respect. Understanding and supporting positive masculinities is central to building respectful school cultures.

For strategies and examples see Expressions of masculinity in schools.

Gender lens

A gender lens is a metaphorical tool to help identify how social constructions create inequalities. It can reveal how policies, practices and environments might affect people differently based on gender.

Why apply a gender lens?

Applying a gender lens enables school leaders to understand and address inequalities resulting from people’s differing roles and unequal power relationships. It helps to create gender equality by ensuring that any unfair impacts on people of different genders are anticipated, and decisions are made that are responsive to gender and inequality.

A gender lens helps us see and question the subtle, often unspoken norms that perpetuate inequality in our schools and society. This could include unexamined biases in classroom management or disproportionate expectations placed on male or female students.

Gender knowledge for safer schools

RRE helps create a culture of gender equality, respect and inclusion in schools. This leads to:

• improved student behaviour and relationships
• increased student knowledge and confidence in discussing gender equality and respectful relationships
• positive attitudes towards gender fairness and equality
• enhanced teacher understanding and commitment to RRE
• an equitable and respectful society.