Understanding Misogyny

Lesson Overview

This 90-minute lesson is designed for a Year 10 student in PSHE to explore the concept of misogyny, its impact on individuals and society, and how to challenge it. It aligns closely with the National Curriculum for England, particularly the PSHE education programme of study outcomes related to understanding rights, relationships, and respectful behaviour. The lesson incorporates differentiation and dyslexia-friendly strategies to ensure inclusive learning.

---

National Curriculum Links

PSHE Education Programme of Study (Key Stage 4 – Year 10):

• Relationships and Sex Education (RSE): "recognise and challenge stereotypes, including those related to gender"
• Health and Wellbeing: "the impact of different types of relationships, including those that promote self-respect and respect for others"
• Living in the Wider World: "recognise and manage peer influences and the impact of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination"

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the student will:

• Define misogyny and identify examples from media, language, and everyday life
• Understand the difference between sexism, misogyny, and gender stereotypes
• Analyse the negative impact of misogyny on individuals and communities
• Develop strategies to challenge misogynistic attitudes and behaviours
• Reflect on the importance of equality and respect in relationships and society

---

Success Criteria

• Use the term misogyny accurately and explain its meaning
• Identify real-life examples of misogyny and distinguish it from related concepts
• Describe how misogyny affects wellbeing and community cohesion
• Suggest at least three positive ways to challenge misogyny
• Communicate ideas respectfully during discussion and reflection

---

Resources

• Dyslexia-friendly printed articles (clear font, short paragraphs) defining misogyny and sexism
• Selected video clips (subtitled) illustrating misogyny and positive examples of challenge
• Scenario cards depicting different situations involving misogynistic behaviour
• Whiteboard / paper and pens for mind mapping and reflections
• Worksheets with keyword glossary (including dyslexia-friendly font)

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Starter (10 minutes)

• Brief discussion: What is respect? How does society show respect?
• Quick brainstorm: “What do you know about misogyny?” Write ideas on paper
• Present dyslexia-friendly definitions of misogyny, sexism, and stereotypes

2. Exploring Misogyny (20 minutes)

• Watch 2 short clips (3-4 mins) showing examples of misogyny (e.g., media examples, language use) with subtitles
• Discuss: Identify behaviours and language that demonstrate misogyny
• Introduce the difference between misogyny and general sexism using visual mind map

Differentiation: For diverse learners, provide printed transcripts of videos and highlight key phrases. Use bullet points and images to support comprehension.

3. Impact Analysis (20 minutes)

• Read a dyslexia-friendly article on the social and personal impact of misogyny
• Student highlights words or sentences that stand out; teacher supports vocabulary understanding
• Discuss how misogyny affects mental health, relationships, and equality

4. Challenging Misogyny – Role Play (25 minutes)

• Use scenario cards with typical situations involving misogynistic behaviour (e.g., at school, online, in media)
• Role-play responses focusing on respectful challenge and support for equality
• Debrief on what worked well and how to use these strategies in real life

Differentiation: Allow the student to write or orally prepare responses. Use sentence starters for those who need them, such as “I feel uncomfortable when…”

5. Reflection and Personal Action Plan (10 minutes)

• Student creates a personal “Respect & Challenge” plan:
  • Identify one scenario where they might encounter misogyny
  • Write or verbalise steps they can take to respond positively and respectfully
• Share reflections and check success criteria

6. Extension Activity (Homework or Further Study)

• Research a public figure, campaign, or organisation actively challenging misogyny (e.g., feminist campaigns, male allies)
• Prepare a short presentation or poster exploring their work and impact

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Use multi-sensory materials: audio, video, visual aids, and written text in dyslexia-friendly formats
• Offer sentence starters and scaffolding for verbal and written outputs
• Allow flexible response formats: verbal, written, drawing mind maps
• Check understanding frequently and provide one-on-one support where needed

---

Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment through questioning and discussion, observing accurate use of terminology and concepts
• Role play performance assessed on appropriate language and respectful challenge techniques
• Review of personal action plan for realistic and thoughtful responses
• Provide verbal and written feedback highlighting strengths and next steps

---

Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Tips

• Use a sans-serif font (e.g., Arial or Comic Sans) at size 14+
• Short sentences with clear, simple vocabulary
• Use bullet points and plenty of spacing
• Highlight or bold key terms for focus
• Include images or icons related to text where possible

---

By delivering this lesson, the teacher will foster critical understanding of misogyny, empower the student to act respectfully, and contribute positively to building inclusive environments consistent with the National Curriculum’s PSHE goals.