Breaking Gender Stereotypes through Careers Education
When you ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, you’ll likely hear everything from astronauts to artists, doctors to dancers. But too often, the careers children imagine for themselves are shaped by the world around them, what they see on TV, in books, and sometimes, what society expects based on their gender. This is where careers education in primary schools plays a powerful role in breaking gender stereotypes before they take root.
What are Gender Stereotypes?
How Careers Education Can Help
Gender stereotypes are the assumptions or expectations we place on people based on whether they are a boy or a girl. For example, the idea that boys are better at science and girls are better at caring jobs, or that men become builders and women become teachers. These stereotypes can influence children from a very young age, often without us realising it.
Careers education in primary school isn’t about choosing a job right now, it’s about broadening horizons and challenging assumptions. Here’s how schools can help: Showcase Diverse Role Models Invite speakers into schools (or virtually) who defy stereotypes – like female engineers, male nurses, male primary teachers, or women working in construction. Use Inclusive Language Avoid phrases like “fireman” or “lunch lady” – and instead use gender- neutral terms like “firefighter” or “catering assistant”. Incorporate Representation into the Curriculum Use books, activities, and classroom discussions that reflect diverse careers and challenge gender norms. Encourage All Interests Give all pupils equal opportunities to explore building blocks, coding, drawing, role play, and leadership roles, regardless of gender. Small Steps, Big Impact When a girl sees a female pilot or a boy sees a male fashion designer, something powerful happens: they see what’s possible. These moments plant seeds of belief that they can be anything they want to be. Changing the narrative doesn’t take a huge overhaul, sometimes it’s as simple as the stories we tell, the pictures we show, and the questions we ask. Because the truth is: children don’t need to be taught to dream. They already do. We just need to show them that every dream is valid, no matter their gender.
Why It Matters
When children only see certain genders doing certain jobs, it can limit their confidence and the range of careers they believe are “for them.” This can lead to: Girls avoiding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects Boys steering away from caring or creative careers A lack of diversity in industries Young people not reaching their full potential By opening children’s eyes to the wide range of possibilities, and showing them real-life role models who break these stereotypes, we empower them to make choices based on their interests, not outdated ideas.
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