PERSPECTIVES & THEORIES IN OSHC

Judith Butler - Gender Performativity

Judith Butler’s idea of gender performativity helps OSHC educators notice how gender is shaped and reinforced in everyday life—through language, expectations, routines, peer culture, and “normal” assumptions about boys and girls. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn the core concepts in plain language, hear a creative “voice of Butler” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the lens, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring inclusive practice and responding to gendered dynamics, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday interactions, environments, and programming.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$
49

About the module

OSHC is a powerful social space. Children test identities, experiment with roles, form group cultures, and navigate belonging—often in ways that are shaped by gender expectations (“that’s for boys,” “girls don’t do that,” “you can’t wear that,” “you’re being dramatic,” “toughen up”).

Butler’s lens doesn’t ask educators to become academics—it helps us become more aware and more intentional. When educators can notice how gender norms are produced and policed in everyday moments, we can:
  • reduce exclusion and teasing
  • expand children’s choices and participation
  • design environments that don’t quietly steer children into “gender lanes”
  • respond respectfully when children express gender in diverse ways
  • create a culture where safety and belonging include everyone

Understand gender performativity

A clear, practical introduction to Butler’s key idea—gender as something shaped through repeated actions, language, and expectations.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the lens to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring inclusive practice and responding to gendered peer culture.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Judith Butler + What is gender performativity?
    A plain-language overview with OSHC examples (play choices, rules, teasing, group dynamics, educator language, clothing, roles, spaces).
  • “Let’s hear from Judith Butler”
    A short creative narrative where “Butler” speaks to noticing everyday moments where gender norms are reinforced—and how educators can respond (educational purpose only).“Let’s hear from Judith Butler”
    A short creative narrative where “Butler” speaks to noticing everyday moments where gender norms are reinforced—and how educators can respond (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing the lens
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - notice gendered assumptions in language and routines
    - respond to “boys vs girls” dynamics without shaming children
    - shift environment set-up to expand choices and belonging
    - support children’s self-expression respectfully
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors teams to strengthen inclusive practice
    - how to respond to teasing, exclusion, and gender policing
    - how to support children and families respectfully (including diverse identities)
    - what to do when staff confidence varies or uncertainty shows up
  • OSHC case study: gender norms in action
    A realistic scenario where gender expectations shape participation and belonging (e.g., access to spaces/materials, group roles, “who gets to lead,” teasing around clothing or interests). Learners practise responding in ways that protect dignity, expand choice, and keep the culture safe.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to examine assumptions, challenge “default” approaches, and design a more inclusive environment and response.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Notice how gender norms are produced through everyday interactions and routines
  • Reduce exclusion and teasing linked to gendered expectations
  • Use language that expands children’s choices (without policing or stereotyping)
  • Set up environments that invite participation across interests and identities
  • Respond respectfully to children’s self-expression and peer culture dynamics
  • Support team consistency through shared language and practical strategies

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators who want practical strategies for inclusive, respectful everyday practice
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring teams to respond to gendered peer culture, fairness, and belonging with confidence
If you want to expand children’s choices and reduce “boys vs girls” culture, this module will help.

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.