Are Gender Attitudes Intergenerational

Abstract

Throughout history intergenerational gender attitudes have played a significant role in shaping societal norms and expectations relating to gender, these attitudes are often deeply ingrained and can be influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. By influencing how individuals are socialised from a young age, this influences their understanding of gender and the roles they are expected to fulfil. It is essential to acknowledge that intergenerational gender attitudes are not static and can evolve overtime. Changes in societal values, advancements in education and shifts in cultural norms can impact how gender attitudes are transmitted intergenerationally. Intergenerational gender attitudes have a hand in influencing family dynamics, career choices and access to resources, they often shape expectations placed on individual understandings of gender and therefore, can affect opportunities for personal and professional growth. 32 participants were analysed within this study using IAT research, questionnaires and open-ended questions from 3 different generations (emerging adults, adults, and mature adults). Using qualitative and quantitative methods a thematic analysis was undertaken to identify whether gender attitudes are intergenerational. Preliminary IAT results highlight that adults and mature adults hold a greater bias towards gender to those from the emerging adult group, however when analysing the explicit attitudes all 3 participating groups have similar attitudes towards gender. However, more women (n=23) than men (n=9) highlight that it is important for children to understand and learn about gender.