What are the consequences of excluding queer perspectives from formal education for social empathy, civic engagement, and identity formation? Excluding queer perspectives from formal education is detrimental to the development of social empathy, civic engagement, and identity formation. Queerness encompasses more than just homosexuality or transgenderism; it also includes bisexuality, pansexuality, asexuality, intersex, genderfluidity, and nonbinary identities.
Social empathy refers to an individual's ability to understand and relate to the experiences of others who may have different backgrounds or perspectives than their own. When queer perspectives are excluded from formal education, students may not be exposed to diverse viewpoints that could help them develop this skill. This can lead to a lack of understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as other minority groups. As a result, these individuals may face discrimination, harassment, and violence in society.
Civic engagement involves participating in political processes and advocating for social change. By excluding queer perspectives from formal education, students may not learn about the struggles that LGBTQ+ people have faced throughout history, such as the fight for marriage equality or the AIDS epidemic. This can limit their awareness of important issues affecting marginalized communities and make them less likely to take action to address these issues.
Identity formation refers to the process by which individuals develop a sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance. Excluding queer perspectives from formal education can create a false narrative that there is only one way to be sexual or gendered, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and confusion among those who do not fit into this narrow framework. This can hinder the development of healthy self-esteem and personal growth. In addition, it can reinforce harmful stereotypes and stigmas around queerness, further isolating these individuals.
Excluding queer perspectives from formal education has negative consequences for social empathy, civic engagement, and identity formation. It limits students' exposure to diverse experiences, inhibits their ability to understand and relate to others, and contributes to a culture of intolerance and marginalization. Formal education should include a comprehensive and inclusive approach to sexuality and gender, encompassing all identities and experiences.
What are the consequences of excluding queer perspectives from formal education for social empathy, civic engagement, and identity formation?
Educators' decisions about which topics to include in their curriculum have long-term effects on students' perceptions of themselves and others. The absence of queer perspectives in formal education may lead to an uninformed view of sexuality that perpetuates discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ people.