Lost Male . . .

I am lost, lost in theory. Let me explain. Social feminist theory suggests that gender is a social construct. I buy that. South Asian culture has what is considered a third gender. The members of this third gender are known as hijra. The notion that gender is a social construct is empowering because it means that the concept of gender can be changed. For example, it means that women, just because they are of the female gender, do not have to marry, stay at home with the children, and never amount to anything more, if they so choose. Great! Let’s challenge the system, challenge perceptions, and create a more equal society. Is the potential not there?

Before I digress too much, I would like to explain my confusion. I am trying to wrap my mind around the feminization of the teaching profession. I think that it is an issue, but how is it an issue? Is the feminization the result of norms reinforced by a patriarchal ideology or can it be better explained by the concept of male hegemony? Either way, what I really want to know is this: if gender is a social construct, why does it matter if a teacher is male or female? Are there not people already that if you didn’t meet them in person, e.g. maybe in a chat room, that it would be impossible to tell the gender? Theoretically, could a male and female not share the same values, norms, etc, and be equally qualified and skilled as a teacher, and the only difference would be their sex? How would it make that much of a difference to the students?

Is my take on applying the theory sound? Am I out in left field on this? Should I feel encouraged when people tell me that it’s good that I’m becoming a teacher because the children need more male teachers? Do the children need more male teachers or do they just need teachers that will inspire them?