Question

Explain the development of gender roles and stereotypes during adolescence.

Answer 1

Gender roles are culturally shaped stereotypes that set expectations about suitable behaviour for boys and girls. These roles are influenced by factors such as the media, family, environment, and society. An adolescent’s understanding of gender roles affects the way they interact with friends and develop relationships. Many studies show that as individuals grow through adolescence, they tend to adopt more stereotypical gender role identities. Girls have been found to report higher femininity than boys at the ages of 11, 13, and 15, though there was no major difference between girls and boys in terms of masculinity. During early adolescence, both boys and girls experience greater pressure to follow socially approved gender roles. As a result, adolescents become more distinct in their gender role identities, which is believed to help them adjust to their future adult roles as women and men.