Authors: Dr. Sunita Arya and Dr. Sunita

ISBN: 978-93-7183-575-6

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/gss/414

Date of Publication: August 08, 2025

About the Book:

The interplay between gender, education, and society has long been a central theme in understanding how individuals grow, learn, and contribute to the world around them. Schools are not merely sites of academic instruction; they are dynamic spaces where cultural values, social norms, and power relations are reproduced and, at times, challenged. In this context, the study of gender becomes critical for educators, policy-makers, and students alike. This textbook, Gender, School and Society, has been designed to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the concepts, debates, and practices surrounding gender in educational settings. It seeks to explore how gender identities are shaped, reinforced, and sometimes contested within the school environment, and how broader societal structures influence these processes. The chapters in this book address a range of interconnected themes: the historical and philosophical foundations of gender studies, theoretical frameworks for understanding gender, gendered experiences in classrooms, the role of curriculum and pedagogy, policy perspectives, and the challenges of promoting gender equality in diverse social contexts. Each section is supported by case studies, discussion questions, and references to contemporary research to encourage critical thinking and application. Our aim is not only to present factual knowledge but also to provoke reflection and dialogue. Teachers and teacher trainees will find this book useful in re-examining their own attitudes and practices, while students of education and social sciences will gain a deeper appreciation of how schooling intersects with gendered realities. We acknowledge the contributions of scholars, educators, and activists whose work has informed the perspectives presented here. We also recognize that the discourse on gender and education is constantly evolving. This book is, therefore, an invitation to continue questioning, learning, and striving toward a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape. It is our hope that Gender, School and Society will serve as both a foundational text and a catalyst for action—empowering readers to envision and work toward schools that nurture the potential of every learner, regardless of gender.