Personal Learning & Professional Development
Bialystok, L., & Anderson, L. M. F. (2022). Touchy subjects: The history and philosophy of sex education. University of Chicago Press.
This book offers educators an in-depth look at the history and underlying philosophies of sex education, providing context for the complexities of teaching sensitive topics like GBSV. Bialystok and Anderson explore how societal values have shaped sex education, helping teachers understand the broader cultural forces at play. This book equips educators with a philosophical foundation for discussing consent, respect, and bodily autonomy in the classroom. By examining past and present debates, Touchy Subjects gives teachers insights for navigating challenges in contemporary sex education. Educators can use this book to build a classroom environment that supports informed, respectful, and open conversations about sexuality and boundaries.
Harding, K. (2015). Asking for it: The alarming rise of rape culture and what we can do about it. Da Capo Press.
Kate Harding’s book breaks down the systemic structures that uphold rape culture, providing actionable insights for combating it. This book serves as a useful guide for teachers who wish to educate students on challenging harmful narratives and promoting a culture of respect. Harding’s conversational style makes difficult topics accessible, allowing teachers to initiate honest conversations around accountability and change. She skillfully deconstructs myths surrounding GBSV, making it clear how such beliefs harm victims and protect perpetrators. This book empowers educators to support students in questioning harmful societal norms and fostering a classroom environment of equality and respect.
Manne, K. (2017). Down girl: The logic of misogyny. Oxford University Press.
Philosopher Kate Manne delves into the pervasive logic and societal structures that support misogyny. She challenges conventional understandings of misogyny, redefining it as a system that polices and punishes women who deviate from traditional roles. Manne’s analysis equips teachers with a framework for unpacking gendered power dynamics, helping them guide students through complex discussions on GBSV. By breaking down the subtle and overt mechanisms of misogyny, this book supports educators in cultivating empathy and critical thinking. Manne’s insights are valuable for developing lessons that challenge gender biases. It is an essential resource for educators aiming to foster a more inclusive and respectful classroom environment.
Phillips, N. D. (2017). Beyond blurred lines: Rape culture in popular media. Rowman & Littlefield.
Nickie D. Phillips explores the role of media in shaping and perpetuating rape culture, examining how popular content normalizes and trivializes GBSV. Through analysis of music, film, and social media, Phillips provides teachers with a comprehensive look at the impact of media on societal attitudes toward consent and gender roles. This book is ideal for educators who want to promote media literacy and challenge harmful social norms. It is an excellent foundation for lessons on media’s role in shaping societal attitudes. With Phillips’s insights, teachers can better prepare students to question and critique the media messages they encounter daily.
Bates, L. (2021) Men who hate women: From incels to pickup artists, the truth about extreme misogyny and how it affects us all. Sourcebooks.
Laura Bates dives into the world of online misogyny, exposing the beliefs and tactics of incels, pickup artists, and other misogynistic groups. The book examines how online hate can fuel real-world violence, offering teachers crucial insights for educating students on the dangers of radicalization. Bates’s exploration of these subcultures empowers educators to create awareness about toxic online spaces and their impacts. This book serves as a conversation starter on online ethics, safety, and empathy. Teachers can use it to inspire students to foster positive, respectful interactions both online and offline.
Hirsch, J. S., & Khan, S. (2020). Sexual citizens: A landmark study of sex, power, and assault on campus (1st ed.). Norton & Company.
Based on a thorough study of students’ experiences with sexual assault at an American university, this book explores the complex factors contributing to GBSV, including power dynamics and social influences. Hirsch and Khan provide educators with a research-based understanding of these issues, emphasizing the role of consent, autonomy, and inclusive education. Teachers can use insights from this book to open discussions about respectful relationships and informed consent with their students. The book’s focus on “sexual projects”—or individual intentions around sexuality—challenges stereotypes and allows educators to address personal agency without judgment. This makes it an empowering resource for educators aiming to foster open, critical dialogue. The authors’ findings offer a framework for creating a classroom culture rooted in respect, empathy, and awareness.
Gay, R. (2018). Not that bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture. Atlantic Books.
This anthology of essays from diverse voices provides raw, personal accounts of living within a culture that normalizes GBSV. Gay’s curation helps teachers foster empathy and understanding, presenting students with real-life perspectives on the effects of GBSV. It is an excellent resource for educators aiming to build awareness and empathy around these complex issues in a way that resonates with young people. Gay’s careful selection of stories offers a powerful lens into the everyday impact of GBSV, making this book a tool for both healing and learning. Teachers will find a variety of experiences that can serve as discussion starters, helping students connect emotionally to the subject matter.
Katz, J. (2006). The macho paradox: Why some men hurt women and how all men can help. Sourcebooks.
In this insightful book, Jackson Katz examines the cultural norms and attitudes that sustain GBSV, specifically focusing on male socialization. Katz’s work addresses toxic masculinity with a balanced, non-judgmental approach that speaks to both men and women. By promoting allyship, he provides a framework for understanding how everyone can play a role in challenging violence. The book offers practical strategies to dismantle harmful norms, which can help educators foster a culture of respect and awareness. Katz’s work is rooted in real-life examples and practical advice, which can enable teachers to guide students in breaking down harmful stereotypes. Teachers can use this as a conversation starter for topics like respect, consent, and the importance of bystander intervention.
Orenstein, P. (2017). Girls & sex: Navigating the complicated new landscape. Harper.
Peggy Orenstein delves into the pressures young women face regarding sexuality and consent. Orenstein’s research-based approach helps teachers explore how cultural expectations influence students' perceptions and experiences of sexuality and consent. This book offers educators tools to discuss body autonomy, media influence, and healthy boundaries, supporting students in developing self-awareness and respect in their interactions. Orenstein’s inclusion of interviews with young women provides authentic, relatable perspectives that resonate with students. Teachers can use these insights to start honest conversations on media literacy, self-respect, and the importance of setting personal boundaries.
Share, J. (2015). Media literacy is elementary: Teaching youth to critically read and create media (2nd ed.) Peter Lang.
Jeff Share’s book is a practical guide for educators wanting to integrate media literacy into their classrooms, with a focus on critical thinking and social justice. The book can help teachers empower students to analyze and create media responsibly, encouraging a classroom environment that challenges harmful narratives. This resource makes it easier for teachers to develop students’ critical reading skills, particularly around sensitive topics like GBSV. It is invaluable for teachers aiming to develop students’ critical reading skills and promote ethical media consumption. Share also offers lesson plans and activities, making it a hands-on resource for immediate classroom use.
Buckingham, D. (2013). Media education: Literacy, learning and contemporary culture. John Wiley & Sons.
David Buckingham’s foundational book provides educators with a comprehensive guide to media education, emphasizing the importance of media literacy in today’s culture. It can support teachers in helping students critically engage with media, with an emphasis on understanding how media shapes societal attitudes. Buckingham’s insights are invaluable for developing classroom discussions around GBSV, representation, and identity. This book serves as a resource for educators committed to fostering critical thinking and ethical media consumption. It is particularly useful for teachers aiming to prepare students to navigate and question media messages with a discerning eye.