Feminization of the urban planning discipline: developing a gender responsive pedagogy at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the increasing number of female students enrolling and graduating from the Department of Urbanism at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, this study aims to mainstream gender into urban planning pedagogy. This is achieved by analyzing a case study comprising 47 survey responses and seven follow-up interviews. Among other factors, respondents’ perspectives on gender are more influenced by their personal experiences rather than the objective knowledge acquired through the Department’s curriculum. Recommendations for the department to mainstream gender into the pedagogy are (1) mainstreaming gender issues in urban planning curriculum, (2) promoting gender-balanced department climate, (3) innovating around teaching methods, and (4) increasing awareness about the profession.