Characteristics of gender stereotypes among today's youth

Abstract

This article examines the issue of gender stereotypes among today’s youth as an important sociopsychological phenomenon that influences personality development, interpersonal relationships, and the system of social roles. The relevance of the study stems from the transformation of traditional notions of masculinity and femininity in contemporary society, changes in the sociocultural environment, the impact of digitalization and democratization processes, and the younger generation’s rethinking of gender norms.
This article analyzes the main academic approaches to understanding the concepts of “gender,” “gender roles,” and “gender stereotypes.” A theoretical analysis of domestic and international studies on the issue of gender socialization among young people is presented.
The results of an empirical study on the characteristics of gender stereotypes among college students are presented. The study utilized S. Bem’s Biological Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), the AWS Gender Attitudes Scale, I. Kletcina’s method for studying gender stereotypes, and an original questionnaire. It was found that the androgynous type of gender identity, characterized by a combination of masculine and feminine traits, predominates among the majority of respondents. It was found that girls are more likely to hold egalitarian views and support an equal distribution of social roles, whereas boys tend to adhere more closely to traditional gender norms. The study revealed a trend toward the gradual weakening of traditional gender stereotypes among young people and the formation of more flexible views regarding the roles of men and women in modern society.
The findings can be applied in the professional practice of psychologists, educators, and social workers, as well as in the development of gender education programs and the cultivation of a gender-sensitive culture among young people.