Description
Research conducted abroad implies that: 1) ethnicity and gender are of a relatively strong influence in the way children pass through the education system; 2) gender and ethnic origin aggregated, may lead to the greater disadvantage of certain subgroups among children within school education. Unlike international research which, in studying the education process, has been focusing on the issue of potential differences arising from ethnic origin and gender, the mutual correlation between gender and ethnicity has hardly been studied in the Czech environment. The project will raise awareness among primary school teachers of gender and ethnic stereotypes, their interconnectedness and the negative impact on Roma pupils, both boys and girls. Key activities involve research analysis at each of the six participating schools, based on which we will prepare systematic material to be used by individual teachers. Through these and other activities we would like to support equal opportunities for Roma girls and boys at primary schools.
Summary of project results
The main goal and benefit of the project was to conduct pilot research at primary schools focused simultaneously on gender and ethnicity. This was the first survey in the Czech Republic based on “intersectionality” in the context of multiple discrimination. By means of quantitative research (a comprehensive questionnaire) at the three participating schools, we mapped how Czech teachers perceive ethnicity and gender in their teaching practice; we have received nearly a thousand answers and thus acquired a representative sample. We succeeded in engaging the target group (teachers) sufficiently even though they are generally very busy individuals. Thanks to the many talks at schools, round tables with principals and teachers, project days with children and other activities, we managed not only to describe the perception of the issue in these schools, but also to change it qualitatively. Each school was given its own methodological materials based on the research conducted at the school and one general packet of materials (worksheets). We conveyed the research findings to representatives of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports at a seminar that we organised on its premises. The detailed and thorough research is summarized in the publication, which is and will be a valuable resource for teachers and employees of the Ministry of Education, NGOs, journalists, and the general public.
Summary of bilateral results