Abstract
Feminist pedagogies frequently emphasize the importance of recognizing diversity in the classroom in terms of learning and teaching strategies, as well as the diversity of lived experiences within a complex structure of social inequalities. Feminist educators also stress the importance of linking class material to our everyday lives in an attempt to make content more relevant. But when teaching about gender, sexualities and systems of inequalities, the topic of violence is simultaneously inescapable and extremely sensitive. The rate of gender based violence is at epidemic proportions; and it is a public health issue in the United States and around the world. The vast majority of sexual assaults and rapes occur before age 30, and the rate increases during the college-aged years. Statistically speaking, there exist many survivors of violence in our very classrooms. Consequently, addressing the topic of violence can make educators uncomfortable, and as a result, this important topic is sometimes further marginalized and silenced. This paper will address the following questions: What is the importance of discussing gender and violence in our classrooms? What are some strategies for creating a safe space to discuss violence and its complexities? How can we assist students to understand gender based violence as both interpersonal and structural? Might such an educational experience be empowering?
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Resources and Organizations (That Can Guide You to More Local Resources and Events)
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McGary, N. (2016). Silence, Violence, Safety and Respect: The Challenges of Teaching About Gender and Violence. In: Haltinner, K., Pilgeram, R. (eds) Teaching Gender and Sex in Contemporary America. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30364-2_10
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