Exercise name:
De-stereotyping job titles
Theoretical background:
From a psychological standpoint a
stereotype can be defined as “the
association of a social group concept with
one or more … attribute concepts” and
involves the interaction of social knowledge
with the concept of self. 1 There is no
unified theory of stereotyping upon which
psychologists agree. Feminist theory
addresses the negative stereotyping of
women in terms of employment,
representation in the media and other
areas. Legislation in many European
countries is designed to expand job
opportunities for women but this can be
hindered by a lack of aspiration among girls
caused by internalising stereotypes related
to particular occupations. This exercise
attempts to expose some of these fallacies.
Target group:
Students aged 14 – 19
Exercise description:
Group discussion of stereotypes in general,
followed by completion of a worksheet
which challenges some stereotypical job
titles.
Pedagogical aim:
To make students more aware and critical
of stereotypes in society and to shift the
thinking of both boys and girls about what
careers are open to them.
Time:
30 – 45 minutes
Resources needed:
Photocopier
This exercise has been kindly donated by Connexions, Birmingham & Solihull.
Greenwald, A.G. et al A Unified Theory of Implicit Attitudes, Stereotypes, Self-Esteem and
Self-Concept Psychological Review 2002 Vol. 109, 1, p.5
1
De-stereotyping job titles
Teacher Notes
⇒ . Ask students, working in pairs, to define what stereotyping means to
them.
⇒ Ask the pairs to read out their definition o the rest of the class.
⇒ Do people agree or disagree with the definitions? Try to come up with
a definition that the majority are happy with.
One possible definition could be a standardised image of a person or
group f people based on their gender, race or the region of the country
they come from.
In other words, to ‘pigeon-hole’ someone!
Examples include…
“All Australians drink beer all day long” and….
“All females are gentle and caring”.
⇒ Can students think of any films or television
programmes where there are stereotypical characters?
⇒ Apart from the media, the use of incorrect language can contribute to
stereotypes.
Inaccurate job titles are another example.
Give each student a job title worksheet and ask them to complete it.
Ask students to feedback their answers.
JOB TITLES QUESTION SHEET
Stereotypical Job Title
Head Mistress
Doorman
Spaceman
Air Hostess
Woman Doctor
Fireman
Policeman
Male Nurse
Chairman
Manageress
Foreman
Cameraman
Workman
Inclusive Job Title
JOB TITLES ANSWER SHEET
Stereotypical Job Title Inclusive Job Title
Head Mistress Head/Head Teacher
Doorman Door Attendant
Spaceman Astronaut
Air Hostess Flight Attendant
Woman Doctor Doctor
Fireman Fire Fighter
Policeman Police Officer
Male Nurse Nurse
Chairman Chair
Manageress Manager
Foreman Supervisor
Cameraman Camera Operator
Workman Worker