Monash University study reveals widespread sexism and misogyny in Australian schools

sexism in schools misogyny teacher retention manosphere influence gendered violence

A Monash University study involving more than 2,600 Australian Education Union members has revealed widespread sexism, misogyny, and sexual harassment within schools. The survey indicates that 78 percent of teachers have observed or experienced gendered violence or sexism, with one in three reporting such incidents frequently.

Educators noted that these behaviors stem from various members of the school community, including students, colleagues, parents, and carers. Half of the respondents reported an increase in gendered violence among students across both primary and secondary education levels.

The research also highlighted a significant link to online content, with 95 percent of teachers believing students access ‘manosphere’ content and 70 percent noting its influence on student behavior over the past year. These conditions are impacting workforce stability; one in three female teachers reported that gendered violence has caused them to consider leaving the profession.

Lead researcher Dr. Stephanie Wescott emphasized that schools must be treated as workplaces subject to the same health, safety, and anti-discrimination laws as other sectors to address these hostile environments.

Entities

Australian Education Union · Monash University · Stephanie Wescott

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] 70 percent of teachers noticed the influence of online misogynistic content on students' attitudes and behavior in the past year. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.marieclaire.com.au · womensagenda.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Dr. Stephanie Wescott stated that government schools must be treated as workplaces subject to standard health, safety, and anti-discrimination laws. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.marieclaire.com.au · womensagenda.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] 78 percent of surveyed teachers reported observing or experiencing sexism, misogyny, or gendered violence in their schools. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.marieclaire.com.au · womensagenda.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] A Monash University study of over 2,600 Australian Education Union member teachers found widespread sexism, misogyny, and sexual harassment in schools. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.marieclaire.com.au · womensagenda.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] 50 percent of respondents reported an increase in gendered violence among students in both primary and secondary schools. educationmattersmag.com.au · womensagenda.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] One in three teachers reported observing or experiencing such behavior frequently. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.marieclaire.com.au · womensagenda.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] One in three female teachers considered leaving the profession due to gendered violence. www.marieclaire.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] 95 percent of teachers believe at least some of their students access ‘manosphere’ online content. educationmattersmag.com.au · www.marieclaire.com.au · womensagenda.com.au

Sources

National survey highlights scale of sexism and misogyny in schools - Education Matters Magazine [educationmattersmag.com.au]

17 days ago

New Study Reveals An Alarming Rise In Misogyny And Sexism In Schools [www.marieclaire.com.au]

17 days ago

More than 'misbehaving'. Teachers are reporting an increase in sexist and misogynistic behaviour in schools [womensagenda.com.au]

17 days ago