The insistence on a gender binary places men and women into specific roles by reinforcing certain traits, and has continued a historical pattern of social categorization. The gender binary has reinforced a system of oppression by upholding the institution of the patriarchy and perpetuating sexism, which continuously places men above women. This ties in with socially constructed narratives about race (racism- a system of oppression placing white above all other races), and class (classism- a system of oppression that continuously benefits the already-rich). The insistence on a gender binary holds women back; it teaches them that they should remain in the home, bearing children, and serving men. It also holds men back; the gender binary has taught them that the only legitimate form of masculinity is hegemonic.
Just as it is important to disrupt racism and classism, it is important to disrupt sexism. Such a binary does not allow for considering different forms of gender expression, such as those who identify as transgender. Yet Martino, citing Connel, (2009), argues that seeking to include and equalize these expressions allows us to move away from the, “legitimation and valorization of hegemonic masculinity,” (Martino, 2012). It is important to undo this gender binary and allow for all forms of gender expression to be viewed as valid and equal because hegemonic masculinity is oppressive to humankind, not just women or LGBQT+. ‘Undoing gender’ and validating different forms of gender expression would mean that humankind can flourish; for example, we could see equal leadership in politics, female autonomy over women’s bodies, and reduced violence towards women and alternate forms of gender expression.
As a future educator, undoing gender for me begins in the classroom, as Martino suggests, “in terms of thinking about how specific texts might be used to interrupt hegemonic masculinity,” (2012). Even if a student does not accept the ideas in what I present, “…there are clear pedagogical benefits to making available counter narratives and critical framework,” (2012).
Cited:
Martino W. (2012) ‘Undoing’ Gender and Disrupting Hegemonic Masculinity: Embracing a Transgender Social Imaginary. In: Down B., Smyth J. (eds) Critical Voices in Teacher Education. Explorations of Educational Purpose, vol 22. Springer, Dordrecht
Kristin Jerkovits 
Kristin I completely agree with you! Throughout this blog post you made very strong points. Disrupting Sexism is just as important as disrupting racism and classism. As a child do you remember any situations where you felt you disrupted/did not go along with the societal norms of you gender? If so, did you feel judged? How do you plan on taking out societal norms of gender in the classroom? Thanks for sharing
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Hi Kristin, I think you made many great points about sexism, I completely agree with your point of view, you also taught me or made me think of different ideas on sexism that I have never thought about. I agree with your point on gender binary of how men And women are given typical stereotypes such as women do the cooking and cleaning and men are known to do the heavy lifting and fixing. The truth it these stereotypes are not right, some guys may like doing the cooking or cleaning but are scared to due to this bianary. Even if you look at professional sports there are no female coaches or players in the big professional sports such as NHL, MLB, NBA all these big sports are sexist towards men because they feel like women can’t compete at that level and that’s not right. I also agree with your point on transgenders, they are treated unequal and bullied because of their sexism that is not fair. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly no matter how they are born or how they look. Another example would be some women enjoy to work with cars but are afraid too because it is stereotyped as a male thing so many women don’t. But I feel like no matter their sex everyone deserves the chance to fulfill their dreams and achieve what they want and your sex should never hold you back. It is great how you are going to tie this in to your future teaching. Great blog post !!!
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