Educating in equality is not enough

In Chile, various studies and educational experiences confirm the rise—or regression—of sexist cultural attitudes among younger generations: from the trivialization of violence in dating relationships (pololeo) to the widespread consumption of misogynistic content (everywhere, every time).

📢 In schools: mockery, harassment, resistance to gender protocols, and even male-led protests that ridicule reports of violence. In universities, an alarming normalization of antifeminist discourse has emerged, disguised as counterculture. Early work experiences continue to reveal wage gaps. This phenomenon is not marginal.

The institutional and media response has generally been to create superficial campaigns: “more sex education,” “more protocols,” “more awareness.” But educating without questioning the very model of humanity is not enough. This is an ethical issue, a philosophical issue.

The deeper question: What do we mean by forming an ethical subject?

It’s about disputing the deepest meanings of desire, power, masculinity, love. Schools must critically review the frameworks through which they teach relationships, as well as the language that perpetuates the symbolic subjugation of women from childhood.

🌐 The resurgence of machismo among new generations has been institutionalized within a comfortable yet intoxicating cultural context: becoming an influencer at any cost; the rise of the algorithm that sees everything and censors some things, but turns a blind eye to mocking and humiliating content; the eroticization of violence as entertainment; and the nostalgia for a strong, “promising” masculinity extracted from an already stale imaginary. All of this is presented as a response to social unrest, to a world of unfulfilled prophecy.

So, what alternative models are we offering? Where are the narratives of desire without domination? Chilean culture remains deeply conservative, with a strong rejection of diversity and non-normativity. That is why it is urgent to promote cultural policies with a gender focus: to fund new narratives, new bodies, new voices.

The question is not only “How do we educate for equality?” but rather: How do we dismantle the symbols behind desire? How do we look back at history and choose another path?

I dare to answer: by walking a path where control, domination, and fear do not govern all the world’s politics.

📌 Creating debate around these issues is also an essential step toward change. Let’s talk about it at @fundaciondracma.