"Free to Breathe": Situated Decoding of Gender in Nature-Based Education

• In Event: Critical Environmental Education: Considering Gender and Indigeneity

Abstract

Spending time in nature is rapidly disappearing from childhood. One way educators have attempted to counter this phenomenon is by bringing students outside and using nature as a learning environment. The coexistence of traditionally feminine- and masculine-coded practices outdoors creates a unique domain for gender expression. In this study, we interviewed 11 educators utilizing nature-based practices about the role gender plays in outdoor learning environments. All educators contributed thoughts suggesting that nature is a particularly conducive space for gender decoding through the freedom it provides students to explore their own identity. Further questions arose about the importance of breaking down feminine and masculine gender roles equally and the intentionality of the language used to communicate gender to students.

Authors

• Abigail Decker, Elon University

• Scott Morrison, Elon University