Class 3 ICSE Textbook Lauded For Challenging Stereotypical Gender Roles

Most of us have grown up studying gender-appropriate behaviour since our childhood, not only in our homes but also in the school curriculum. But now an ICSE textbook has incorporated a chapter challenging stereotypical gender roles in society. The publisher and the ICSE board are being lauded on social media for teaching young minds the importance of gender inclusivity.

Men do not wear skirts or dresses. Women do not play sports. Men should not cry. Girls should sit properly and not talk loudly. These are some of the behavioural traits that we were made to absorb by our education system while growing up. We were taught how men and women were different and thus if they wanted to be accepted by society they must behave based on separate codes of conduct.

Thanks to the changing ideas and exposure to counterviews that challenge these long-held stereotypes, the dynamics are slowly changing and a lot of people are now embracing the idea of gender inclusivity. However, the progress will only be faster when the education system- which works as a foundation for our knowledge and beliefs, too will embrace and disperse ideas of gender inclusivity.

Suggested Reading: Indian Nursing Body Condemns Sociology Textbook Citing Merits Of Dowry

One such attempt has been made by a school in its class 3 ICSE textbook that has a chapter on 'Changing Roles of Girls and Boys'. It includes a picture of a boy with coloured hair and the other of a kid playing football. The chapter poses a question to the students about the existing gender stigma in the society by asking if colouring hair relates to a girl and playing football resembles a boy.

The chapter attempted to educate the children by challenging the gender roles that boys and girls in our society are burdened with. It explained "how the traditional roles played by men and women in the society are changing" and showed "how being a boy or a girl is not a barrier for any occupation."

The post shared by a Facebook user Mamta Sharma Das is being lauded by many social media users for instilling gender-inclusive values among the young minds of children from an early age. A user, however, also pointed out that the effort to challenge gender stereotypes needs to be consistent, "That's truly awesome...only worry is that these changes should not remain limited to the theoretical expressions...may our next gen truly live these changes in practicality as well." See the post here.

What are your views about teaching children about gender inclusivity? Tell us in the comments.

Views expressed are the author's own.