Work

Periods, Penises, and Patriarchy: Perspective Taking and Attitudes about Gender among Middle School, High School, and College Students

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Although many studies examine gender perceptions among adults, fewer ask children to report on their personal views and experiences of gender. The authors use an open-ended survey to ask middle school, high school, and college students what they think is best and worst about being a boy and a girl to analyze how gender perceptions vary between younger and older children. The authors find that girls’ perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of being a boy are similar to boys’ perceptions, suggesting that girls are attuned to boys’ experiences. Students have an easier time identifying the social disadvantages boys and men face, but their recognition of how patriarchy affects girls and women is more limited. Instead, they emphasize perceived biological and appearance-related advantages and disadvantages. Such foci on the body, the authors argue, undercut the potential for change and collective action.

Source: Socius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World

DOI: 10.1177/23780231221100378

Authors: Mary Nell Trautner, Jessica Hoffman, Elizabeth Borland

Institutions: University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Hilbert College, The College of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Gender and Feminist Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700