Purpose of this study is to see whether there is discernable difference in children’s sense of gender equality by their gender and grade level; and how close this is correlated with the established gender stereotypes. To do so, research was conducte...
Purpose of this study is to see whether there is discernable difference in children’s sense of gender equality by their gender and grade level; and how close this is correlated with the established gender stereotypes. To do so, research was conducted with 180 elementary school upper graders with “gender role identity survey” (Kim, 2002) and their sense of gender equality (Roh, 2007). The summary of this research is as follows.
First, the average mean of “masculinity” in difference between general tendency and gender gap is 2.66; both male and female students did not reach the median score of 3. However, for “femininity,” the average mean was 3.08; slightly higher than that of masculinity.
Second, in research for correlation between gender stereotype and sense of gender equality, this research was able to find that more femininity correlates with higher sense of gender equality with y=.355; compare to y=.189 between sense of gender equality and masculinity.
Third, survey indicated 28% of total sample pool had a conversation about gender equality with their parents; these specific sample group showed slightly lower masculinity and higher femininity compared to base sample groups.
Truly equal society is where various activities are organized and operated to facilitate individual’s self-realization without any prejudice or stereotypes about one’s gender. To actualize such society, culture of gender equality must take root in every facet of society and such feat can be achieved by gender equality education on students. This paper proposes following education policies.
First, efforts must be made in developing education courses and textbooks that reflects both genders’ experiences in balance. Unique sexual characteristic and individual’s attribute can develop harmoniously on such educational foundation.
Second, gender equality education must proceed in coordination between school and home. Often students’ sense of gender equality is negatively reinforced from their contacts with sexually discriminatory language or actions either at their home or school. Under coordination of these two elements, efforts can be made to recognize and eventually overcome issues that undermine students’ sense of gender equality.