Gender equality

Gender equality in the Armed Forces

Synopsis

This lesson discusses and debates 'Equal Opportunities' within the workplace. Students compare the role of women within the Armed Forces during the World Wars to today. They then review four case studies of current jobs performed by the Armed Forces and decide whether they think women can work in these positions. Case studies contain job descriptions, first-hand accounts from people serving in that role and an outline of its possible dangers. Students discuss and debate whether they agree that women should or should not be able to work in the roles.

MOD Topic

Gender equality in the Armed Forces

Curriculum Checklist

1.2. 3i, 3m & 3n.

Curriculum Links

• PSHE
• English
• History

Prior Knowledge

None required

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Know what the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act says and that it had particular implications for women.
• Know that certain jobs may still only be available for single sex (either male or female) candidates.
• Know the requirements for working in a particular work place.
• Be able to prepare a basic argument claiming that discrimination has or hasn't ended.
• Know that legislation is an important tool in ending discrimination.
• Know that employers have legal rights and responsibilities in relation to discrimination in the workplace.
• Know that all government departments must demonstrate rights and responsibilities as employers.

Average ability students will:

• Be familiar with the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act and what it implies for women.
• Know that certain jobs may still only be available for single sex (either male or female) candidates and have considered the reasons behind this.
• Have considered the requirements for working in a number of work places and are aware of how they can vary from place to place.
• Be able to debate whether discrimination has ended.
• Debate the effectiveness of the law in discouraging unfair discrimination.
• Understand why employers have legal rights and responsibilities in relation to discrimination in the workplace.
• Be aware that the Ministry of Defence supports equal opportunities and diversity policies.

Higher ability students will:

• Have a good understanding of the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act and what it implies for women.
• Understand why certain jobs may still only be available for single sex (either male or female) candidates and have considered the reasons behind this.
• Have examined several different work places and understand the different requirements attached to working in those places.
• Produce a convincing in-depth argument to demonstrate whether discrimination has ended.
• Debate whether legislation alone is capable of bringing about an end to discrimination and consider the other methods for discouraging it.
• Understand the importance to all workers of the legal rights and responsibilities of employers in relation to discrimination in the workplace.
• Understand why the Ministry of Defence supports equal opportunities and diversity policies.

Lesson code

C11