Debunking stereotypes with the Gender Game

The Gender Game (GG), a pioneering educational tool designed to raise awareness of gender stereotypes and promote social sciences, is undergoing a major transformation. Supported by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), this initiative builds on the success and foundations laid by the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) since 2016.

From a large interactive board game to a sophisticated co-educational tool

Originally conceived in 2016 by LISER supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), the GG began as a mega interactive board game. Measuring 3 x 3 metres, this game has been presented on many occasions in Luxembourg, aimed at children, young adults, and adults with the ambition of being inter-generational. The game's innovative approach to tackling gender inequality and raising interest in exploring social sciences earned it the FNR award for Outstanding Promotion of Science to the Public in 2020.

Carole Blond-Hanten, researcher at LISER, stated: "In 2021, the GG's impact was amplified thanks to the PSP flagship grant of FNR, which promoted the creation of a joint venture between LISER and LIST. This collaboration paved the way for the next evolution of the gender game: a mixed physical and digital device."

Marie Gallais, researcher at LIST, added: "The advanced GG integrates digital elements to improve interactivity and ease of use, designed to impact positively long-term learning. Our team is also working to measure the impact of the experience on users, particularly on gamification."

The main digital aspects of the redesign include increased interactivity thanks to digital elements to stimulate several senses, making the game more immersive and fun; as well as ease of animation thanks to the integration of digital tools, aiming to simplify the animation of the game for the animators.

Measuring impact and extending reach

One of the main objectives of the new GG is to measure its impact on players, both immediately and in the medium term. This involves analysing non-verbal communication during play to better understand players' experiences and reactions.

In addition, the team is working on the design of a smaller version of the game to facilitate its use in schools and ensure that the educational benefits of the game are accessible to a wider audience. These advances also pave the way for extending the game's reach beyond national borders, which could enable it to reach international audiences in the near future.

The transformation of the Gender Game into a mixed physical and digital format represents a significant step forward in the field of educational gamification. By continuing to tackle crucial social issues such as gender stereotypes and taking advantage of modern technology, the GG aims to spark curiosity and social science learning in young people.

The new format of the Gender Game was presented to a group of LIST employees on the International Diversity Day. To mark the occasion, LIST launched its diversity campaign entitled "Unique, Together!".