‘Coming Here, It’s Just Weird’: ‘Making the Familiar Strange’ through Exploring Experiences of Sexism and Feminisms

Authors

Emilia A I Little, University of PlymouthFollow

Abstract

This paper explores personal experiences with gender and how these experiences changed whilst attending university as an undergraduate student. The paper uses gender and feminist theory to guide a critical and auto-ethnographic exploration of personal experiences of a young woman within a patriarchal system. The paper uses journal excerpts to recount past and current experiences through feminist lenses. Through exploring gender theory, binary and performativity, personal experiences are validated and explained. The force of patriarchal oppression and privilege were illuminated as personal conceptions of gender were disrupted. The paper argues for much-needed feminist education in schools, centring around: avoiding the reproduction of harmful stereotypes, highlighting the impacts of patriarchal oppression, and educating young people on the importance of gender equality so that everyone’s voices can be heard. Change is needed so therefore education is needed.

Recommended Citation

Little, Emilia A I (2025) "‘Coming Here, It’s Just Weird’: ‘Making the Familiar Strange’ through Exploring Experiences of Sexism and Feminisms," Plymouth Interdisciplinary Education Open Journal: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70156/2634-8594.1031
Available at: https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/pieoj/vol2/iss2/8