Labour MPs are calling for government targets to increase the number of male teachers in England, highlighting a significant gender imbalance in the profession. Currently, only 24% of teachers are men, with just 14% in primary schools. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address what they describe as a ‘crisis of masculinity’ and to provide boys with positive male role models.
The MPs argue that boosting the number of male educators could help combat negative influences from the so-called ‘manosphere’, which they believe contributes to issues like toxic masculinity and violence. They are also advocating for longer paternity leave, noting that the UK’s current two-week allowance is among the lowest in Europe, which they claim affects family dynamics and child development.
The push comes amid political turbulence within the Labour Party, as MPs seek to leverage this moment to influence policy. They plan to wear shirts promoting the message “Extra time for dads” to raise awareness about the need for extended paternity leave, which 60% of the public support according to recent surveys.
As the government aims to recruit 6,500 new teachers, the MPs suggest that a national marketing campaign could attract more men to teaching, similar to initiatives encouraging women into STEM fields. This could have lasting implications for education and societal norms around masculinity in the UK.
Source: The Guardian
