The NSPCC recently released our report ‘A qualitative study of children, young people and ‘sexting’. The report is based on qualitative, school based research conducted by myself (Jessica Ringrose, Institute of Education London), Rosalind Gill (Kings College London), Sonia Livingstone (London School of Economics) and Laura Harvey (Open University). Continue reading “SEXTING: What is it and why is it an issue of gender equality relevant for an educational audience?”
Fame, Folk devils and Generation X-Factor
In recent months a number of articles have appeared in the UK national press, reporting renewed concerns about the impact of celebrity and consumer culture on young people’s aspirations. Celebrity culture features in these as a contemporary folk devil, conjured up as the source of various societal ills, and diverting attention from the structural causes of inequality. Continue reading “Fame, Folk devils and Generation X-Factor”
BY GOVE: BACK TO THE FUTURE: EDUCATION CIRCA 1962!
GEA Policy Officer’s Report, 2012
Continue reading “BY GOVE: BACK TO THE FUTURE: EDUCATION CIRCA 1962!”
GEA Interim Conference, 11th – 13th April 2012
The interim conference, ‘Gender and Democracy: Gender and Research in Times of Change’, was hosted by the University of Gothenburg’s Department of Education and Special Education. Continue reading “GEA Interim Conference, 11th – 13th April 2012”
Gaby Weiner and Carolyn Jackson leave the Executive
Gaby Weiner, Chair of the Association since 2009, formally stepped down from her position on Thursday evening along with former Chair and Executive Member Carolyn Jackson. Both were presented with gifts and lifetime memberships by Gaby’s successor, Gabrielle Ivinson at a reception hosted by the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research at this year’s interim conference.
We wish Carolyn, Gaby and Alexandra Allan (who has also left the Executive) the best of luck.
Children, Sexuality and Sexualisation: a Matter of Equalities, Rights and Voice – 30th March 2012
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending an excellent event exploring young people and sexualisation in Wales. The Cardiff University event was opened by two senior policymakers for Wales, Keith Towler, the Children’s Commissioner, and Gwenda Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services. Continue reading “Children, Sexuality and Sexualisation: a Matter of Equalities, Rights and Voice – 30th March 2012”
Aftermath – Marriage and the Feminist
I have just finished reading Rachel Cusk’s most recent book which reflects on the breakup of her marriage. This book caused quite a stir when it was published in early March – some critics felt it was too self-indulgent, others bemoaned the poor husband and children having their stories so publically aired. I began to read it with great anticipation, however, largely because her previous ‘memoir’ on becoming a mother had been such a fascinating read because it was so bold in the sense that she had not pulled any punches about the reality of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. But also, I couldn’t wait to read the book because I have been through (several) moments where I have wondered – would I be better off alone, without my partner – would I be ‘freer’ – to parent and manage the day-to-day as I wished, without compromise and sometimes ‘giving in’? Continue reading “Aftermath – Marriage and the Feminist”
Interested in becoming a GEA Executive Member?
The Gender and Education Association are looking for new executive members as several current members have completed their term of service.
Being an executive member involves attending 2-3 face to face meetings each year (usually in London) and 2-3 telephone meetings each year. You are also expected to take responsibility for one area of the association’s work (for example: newsletter editor, treasurer, membership) and to take a role in writing content for the website – producing about six posts a year.
We welcome nominations from anywhere in the world and, budget permitting, will make available some funding for non-UK executive members to attend face to face meetings.
If you would be interested in joining the executive please send your name and email address together with a short paragraph of no more than 300 words describing why you would like to be a member of the executive and what you feel you would bring to the role. You can also include the URL of a webpage so that people can find out more about you.
To talk informally about this or to submit your application, please email Gaby Weiner (gaby.weiner@btinternet.com).
Elections will take place via email during April
FINAL DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 31 March 2012.
Are we all addicted to theory?
I have been thinking for some time about the way that the field of gender and education has developed in recent years. Once political and outward-looking, involving schools and other extra-university institutions in a joint quest for gender knowled Foto Sf Lite ge, the field seems has atrophied into just another university discipline. Continue reading “Are we all addicted to theory?”
Making sense of porn – using it for good?
Of late I have been trying to work out where I stand in relation to porn. Continue reading “Making sense of porn – using it for good?”