Foster Care Training

In our daily lives, the pervasive impacts of sexism manifest in myriad ways, both subtle and overt. Just as with other systems of oppression, discerning these effects requires a keen awareness of the thoughts, events, and feelings that perpetuate gender bias. Within the child welfare system, for instance, the unequal distribution of childcare responsibilities burdens women disproportionately, influencing how we evaluate mothers and their children. Studies consistently reveal disparities in child protection decisions along lines of race, ethnicity, and gender, with referrals concerning girls more likely to prompt investigation than those involving boys. How does the pervasive influence of sexism shape our self-perception and societal roles, irrespective of our individual genders? And how can we draw upon the experiences of those most impacted by sexism and other forms of oppression to foster a more united, empathetic community? In this immersive day-long workshop, participants will embark on a journey of self-exploration, delving into their own socialization within a system of oppression rooted in sex-based gender roles. Through a blend of lectures, group activities, experiential exercises, and introspective reflection, attendees will gain insight into the language, historical context, and underlying mechanisms of sexism. By creating a safe space for participants to revisit their early conditioning and recognize where they may have internalized and perpetuated norms of masculinity or femininity, this workshop aims to foster a collective imagination for diverse expressions of sex, gender, and community beyond the confines of a sexist paradigm.