People are divided on whether calling a female teacher 'miss' is sexist, with one school dropping the word due to what they described as "cultural misogyny."
A number of teachers and former students have weighed in on the debate, which kickstarted from a Twitter post that asked 'Is it not sort of obvious that there is a weighty difference between “sir” and “miss”?'
The post, from Ava-Santina, accompanies an article by The Times in the UK which revealed that one "leading school" perceives the term 'miss' as cultural misogyny and despite its "long-established practice", is set to be dropping it.
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According to the head of Harris Westminster sixth form, the article states, 'sir' evokes knights and respect, while 'miss' is more suitable for "little girls and Edwardian shop assistants."
One Twitter user said it was worth bearing in mind that the people using the word are "literal children" however rebuking him, someone highlighted that sixth form students would be 16-18 years of age.
Another popular comment stated: "Bloody heck, Yes it is and I didn't even realise. Learning everyday sexisms. Sir and Miss. Its so obvious." While another Twitter user saw it in a different way, expressing: "What nonsense."
Outlining their own personal experience, one teacher opined that most simply do not care.
"In 16 years I have never cared as I have felt always total respect off my students, and always got excellent outcomes because they respect me for being a great classroom teacher or so they tell me! There are much bigger problems that this," one female teacher said.
Another commenter, based in the UK, said: "Both my sons went to the same school. The teachers are referred to by their first names and it has a no uniform policy. Bliss."
What do you think? Should schools continue to refer to female teachers as 'miss'? Let us know in the comments.
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