Study on Children’s Gender Role Perceptions in the Filipino Setting

Abstract

This study aimed to determine if individual traits such as sex and gender account for the differences in Filipino children’s gender role beliefs. Other variables in the family (dominant figure, parents’ occupation and SES) and in peer relationships (play activities and sex of friends) were also included. Data were gathered among 264 male and female elementary students from a public elementary school. Children who participated in this study are 6 to 12 years of age. Beliefs of children were measured using a survey questionnaire designed by the researcher for this study. Four domains under masculinity and femininity were considered. These were male and female occupational tasks, household chores, traits and interests. Focused group discussions (FGD) and individual interviews were also administered to explain the responses given by children. Moreover, 33 parents were given the same questionnaire in order to assess if children’s view of gender roles correspond with their parents’ views. Results showed that children’s conception of gender roles remained stereotypical. Male and female children differ in their perceptions of masculinity and femininity. The same holds true for children who belong to different age groups. In their performance of female-designated tasks, boys and girls also differ significantly. Qualitative data gathered through individual interviews and FGDs served as support for the mentioned results.