Targeting the next generation early through education is a key way to tackle the root causes of online misogyny, say researchers from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of Nottingham.
In an article for The Conversation, NTU Senior Lecturer, Loretta Trickett, and PhD Candidate, Sally Bashford-Squires, alongside fellow academic Professor Louise Mullany, discuss what needs to be done in schools and communities to challenge this concerning and wide-spread issue.
Addressing online misogyny as a community
"Addressing online misogyny is a community-wide responsibility. Parents, caregivers and others who play central roles in children’s lives and activities - such as sports clubs, community groups and other youth organisations - also need to take a stance," explain Loretta, Sally, and Louisa.
Demonstrating the value of women in society
"This can include working together, in collaboration with schools, to call out misogynistic behaviours and model healthy behaviours online and offline. We need to actively demonstrate how women and girls can be equally respected and valued in society," they suggest.
The importance of guidance from male role models
"The next generation needs guidance from male role models as they make the difficult transition into adulthood. They need support to recognise healthy and unhealthy behaviours and the implications of these for others and for themselves," they add.
Read the full article to learn more about how schools and communities can tackle online misogyny.
Award-winning researcher
Loretta Trickett is a Senior Lecturer at NTU's College of Business Law and Social Sciences within Nottingham Law School. Loretta is an active empirical researcher whose research regularly informs public policy and debate.
In 2021, Loretta was awarded THE Times Higher Award for ‘outstanding contribution to a community’ for her collaborative research with Professor Louise Mullany on the topic of women’s safety. This prestigious award ceremony is widely considered as the ‘Oscars’ of higher education.
Research interests in gender and global health
A PhD Candidate and part-time lecturer in Public Health at NTU, Sally Bashford-Squires has taught nursery to secondary pupils and worked as an Assistant Head Teacher of an Infant School.
Sally also founded and chairs a charity which operates in rural Uganda which helps to improve the lives of women and girls through education and social enterprise projects. Sally's interests concern gender and global health.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.