| Sexism and gender |
|
|
|
Gender stereotyping based on the notion of acceptable and unacceptable male and female behaviour can leave children and young people who do not conform to these notions vulnerable to indirect and direct bullying. Personality traits that do not fit into the unwritten rules of ‘appropriate' male and female behaviour can make children and young people a target for their perceived difference. For example, boys portraying compassionate and sensitive characteristics and girls who are seen as being assertive and loud can lead to bullying, questioning and targeting of their gender. Alongside personality, the academic choices, social activities and sports deemed ‘acceptable' for males and females can pressurize children and young people to fit in and not stand out from the crowd. This gender stereotyping can cause anxiety and wider social connotations which can affect the shaping of an individual's future life choices. Bullying in the form of derogatory language and the spreading of malicious rumours can be used to regulate both girl's and boy's behaviour - suggesting that they are not being a real man or a real woman. These terms can be of an explicit sexual nature and it is worth noting that many can involve using terms for people who are gay and lesbian as a negative towards a person's masculinity or femininity. Bullying can also be gender focused, with children and young people targeted for being perceived as being of a particular gender. This can include the use of sexual innuendo, offensive mimicry, continually asking someone out, displaying sexual materials, sexual comments and jokes that demean others, touching and gestures. This behaviour can have a seriously negative effect on the individuals concerned, and can make them feel inferior through this use of power. Barriers to telling someone that bullying is taking place:
|