G.14. Learning For Democracy: Recognising and Deconstructing Sexist Stereotypes for a More Equal Society

Democracy is based on equality before the law, freedom of speech, parity, equality in running for public office, distribution of powers and participation, but if we take a closer look at how these principles are observed even in modern, Western societies, we’ll realise that equality and parity are far from being accomplished. In this panel, we will analyse how persistent inequalities between genders are normalised and reproduced through socialisation processes. Despite significant progress over the decades, such gender inequalities and narrations continue to permeate schools, media ecosystems, political institutions, and judicial processes. In this panel, we aim to explore the intersections between gender, education, democracy, and the gendered cultural and institutional dynamics that shape contemporary societies. Therefore, we welcome contributions that address gender stereotypes and prejudices at various stages and in various agencies of the socialisation process. In particular, we seek submissions that investigate sexist stereotypes in the media, in textbooks, court judgements and public discourse, also in relation to gender-based violence representations. We are interested in analysing the role of school textbooks, journalism and media in representing and constructing public discourse on gender, power, and violence. We also welcome papers on the impact of gender in judicial contexts, including the interpretation of gender-based violence in court decisions, the use of gender perspectives in legal reasoning, and the institutional barriers that affect access to justice. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches and methodological plurality. Papers may address local, national, or international contexts.