Gender Fears: A Comparison of the Anxieties of Males and Females of the University of the Philippines - Manila

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the fears and its attributions common among males and among females of the University of the Philippines-Manila as a means of determining whether sex-role stereotypes are still tightly stitched into the Filipino society. An open-ended questionnaire designed by the researcher was utilized and distributed by key informers to the 250 respondents, equally divided into 125 males and 125 females. Furthermore, 10 males and 10 females were selected to participate in the interview to supplement certain data.

The results of the survey showed differences in fears among males and females. The study showed that the fears most frequently mentioned by female respondents were: Loneliness; Failure; Rejection or Being Unwanted; One’s Own Death of Suffering; Helplessness; and, Scary or Frightening Sights. Their fears manifested a concern towards affective relationships, social approval and the learned fears from prescriptive beliefs. The fears most frequently reported by the male and respondents were: Inadequacy, Rejection; One’s Own Death or Suffering; Expressing One’s Self; Getting a Girl Pregnant; and, Victimization. They have indicated apprehension and concern towards personal achievements and the development of their “machismo” personality.

The circumstance of gender fears may be attributed to: 1) the gender role stress; 2) the violation of socially defined gender roles; and, 3) the occurrence of the self-fulfilling prophecy.

By uncovering the fears common among males and females, one can determine that sex-role stereotypes or characteristics viewed as typical of males or females are still stitched into the design of a certain culture such as that of the Filipino society.