On Friday November 28th we were very privileged to welcome Professor Stephen Whittle OBE to talk to the Psychology A-level groups on the topic of gender, which the Upper Sixth are currently studying. All those present benefited greatly from the lecture given by such an expert in this complex area.

Professor Whittle gave the girls an insight into the historical context of gender and looked into the nature/nurture debate on the origins of the development of gender roles and identity. He is a past pupil of Withington who has done pioneering work in the area of transgender issues and during his extraordinary life, he has managed to advance the rights of transsexual people though judicial means in the UK, Europe and around the world.

He is currently Professor of Equalities Law at Manchester Metropolitan University in addition to his ongoing work on human rights issues. The Psychology Department is most grateful to Professor Whittle for returning to Withington to share his personal and professional knowledge and experience.