Investigating adolescents’ perspectives on traditional gender roles and gender beliefs in the construction of gender role attitudes

Abstract

The exposure to modernity and feminists’ advocacies have brought about the need to reexamine the traditional gender roles of both men and women or boys and girls. This study investigates the perspectives of adolescents on traditional gender roles and gender beliefs in the construction of gender role attitudes. The study identifies the roles that adolescent girls and boys perform in the construction of gender role attitudes. It also examines the mechanisms through which evolving gender roles and beliefs are communicated to adolescents. The study is grounded in the gender performativity theory and the gender schema theory. Data for the study was qualitatively gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions from purposively selected twenty-six (26) adolescent girls and boys of Accra Grammar School in Oyibi. The data was thematically analysed. The findings indicate that in the construction of gender role attitudes, adolescent girls and boys perform age-appropriate, helping-hand, and gender-specific roles. However, embedded in age-appropriate and helping-hand roles are gender relations. The study further reveals that evolving gender roles and beliefs are communicated to adolescents through family dynamics, the media, empowerment initiatives and peer interactions. The study also reveals that though adolescent girls and boys will love to have a society where gender roles are evened, those adolescents who have one parent away from home observe and internalise a more egalitarian attitude towards the performance of gender roles. The study concludes that by promoting open dialogue, providing education on gender diversity, and challenging harmful stereotypes, adolescent girls and boys can be empowered to shape their own identities and beliefs in the construction of gender role attitudes, fostering a future where gender equality is embraced and celebrated. The study, thus, recommends that Policy makers, most especially the sector in charge of gender and social protection, should take into consideration the formulation of policies and programmes for adolescents that will help shape their perspectives towards achieving gender equality.