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All these differences in ascribing in the stories are completely '''sociological ('''we people have created these differences by our beliefs – this difference is termed ‘gender’). They have '''absolutely NO biological or factual basis'''. The only known and accepted biological difference between men and women is that women can bear children and nurse them which men cannot do (this difference is termed as ‘sex’). Otherwise, there is nothing that men can do that women cannot and vice versa. This sociological process of discriminating between men and women on the basis of gender is '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexism sexism]'''. References –  <nowiki>https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-sexism#what-sexism-is</nowiki> (gives the basic distinction between sex and gender as well).

All these differences in ascribing in the stories are completely '''sociological ('''we people have created these differences by our beliefs – this difference is termed ‘gender’). They have '''absolutely NO biological or factual basis'''. The only known and accepted biological difference between men and women is that women can bear children and nurse them which men cannot do (this difference is termed as ‘sex’). Otherwise, there is nothing that men can do that women cannot and vice versa. This sociological process of discriminating between men and women on the basis of gender is '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexism sexism]'''. References –  <nowiki>https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-sexism#what-sexism-is</nowiki> (gives the basic distinction between sex and gender as well).

= So what is harmful about sexism? =

=== So what is harmful about sexism? ===

Ascribing certain characteristics and traits to women makes it easier for us to push women and girls into certain roles - such as the ‘gentle/sweet/great wife’ who provides free/unpaid labor for her husband and family. For instance in many if not most households, including of teachers in the group, we will see the woman work in the kitchen to produce food while the man is watching TV or reading a newspaper in the hall. This is actually an exploitative relationship (see the brilliant movie - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QlOqqZAN5Y The Great Indian Kitchen]).

Ascribing certain characteristics and traits to women makes it easier for us to push women and girls into certain roles - such as the ‘gentle/sweet/great wife’ who provides free/unpaid labor for her husband and family. For instance in many if not most households, including of teachers in the group, we will see the woman work in the kitchen to produce food while the man is watching TV or reading a newspaper in the hall. This is actually an exploitative relationship (see the brilliant movie - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QlOqqZAN5Y The Great Indian Kitchen]).

Even beliefs that seem to be supportive of women, like believing women are honest, gentle, caring is [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-sexism#types-of-sexism sexism] which is harmful.

Even beliefs that seem to be supportive of women, like believing women are honest, gentle, caring is [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-sexism#types-of-sexism sexism] which is harmful.

== Sexism is rampant ==

=== Sexism is rampant ===

According to a [https://inhersight.com/blog/guides-to-discrimination/sexism 2020 report] by the United Nations Development Program, “'''91 percent of men and 86 percent of women show at least one clear bias against gender equality''' in areas such as politics, economic, education, intimate partner violence, and women’s reproductive rights.

According to a [https://inhersight.com/blog/guides-to-discrimination/sexism 2020 report] by the United Nations Development Program, “'''91 percent of men and 86 percent of women show at least one clear bias against gender equality''' in areas such as politics, economic, education, intimate partner violence, and women’s reproductive rights.

= Why is sexism completely unacceptable for teachers? =

=== Why is sexism completely unacceptable for teachers? ===

Sexism is wrong for any human being.

Sexism is wrong for any human being.

Such gender unjust socialization is likely to happen at many homes, but sexist teachers will also be contributing to such practices in school. Whereas schools and teachers have a duty to actively counter sexism so that girls can dream to achieve all things that boys dream.

Such gender unjust socialization is likely to happen at many homes, but sexist teachers will also be contributing to such practices in school. Whereas schools and teachers have a duty to actively counter sexism so that girls can dream to achieve all things that boys dream.

= How come some women teachers support sexist stories? =

=== How come some women teachers support sexist stories? ===

Sexism is not a simple “men oppress women” issue. It is based on the ideology (mindset) of patriarchy, which persuades people to think men are superior to women. And this ideology can affect women as well, so you can have women discriminate against other women/make them suffer when they themselves have internalized patriarchy. (hence the mother-in-law oppressing daughter-in-law phenomenon – the mother-in-law has internalized patriarchy). Women need to reflect on the influence of patriarchy in their own lives and take active steps to reduce and eradicate its influence steadily, One important way is to discuss discrimination and ways to address it, in the classroom itself.  

Sexism is not a simple “men oppress women” issue. It is based on the ideology (mindset) of patriarchy, which persuades people to think men are superior to women. And this ideology can affect women as well, so you can have women discriminate against other women/make them suffer when they themselves have internalized patriarchy. (hence the mother-in-law oppressing daughter-in-law phenomenon – the mother-in-law has internalized patriarchy). Women need to reflect on the influence of patriarchy in their own lives and take active steps to reduce and eradicate its influence steadily, One important way is to discuss discrimination and ways to address it, in the classroom itself.