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.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies,
School of Communication and Media Studies,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Journalism and Media Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba
DECEMBER, 2023