Exploring the possibilities of gender equality pedagogy in an era of marketization

ABSTRACT

In this article, we research and revisit our own experiences of gender equality work to determine the societal and discursive power relations that have shaped gender equality. We conducted our study in Finland, a ‘Nordic model of gender equality’, but we argue that these results have worldwide relevance, especially since Nordic models of gender equality and education have been exported globally. By combining earlier research, our own extensive experience of conducting gender equality work, and previous literature on feminist pedagogy, we examine the possibilities of what we call ‘gender equality pedagogy’ in an era of marketization. To develop the concept of gender equality pedagogy, we ask how combining an analysis of gender equality work with feminist pedagogy can help to acknowledge and utilize power relations. We suggest that understanding gender equality work as a form of pedagogic practice might help overcome some of the barriers that gender equality work has encountered for decades.

KEYWORDS:

• Feminist pedagogy
• gender equality
• gender equality work
• marketization
• power

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Hanna Ylöstalo PhD, is a senior lecturer in Gender Studies.

Kristiina Brunila is a professor of Social Justice and Equality in Education (tenure track).