Attitudes on Gender Equality of Elementary School Students

Abstract

Objective : The main purpose of this study was to describe the attitudes of 5th and 6th grade elementary students toward gender equality.

Methods : A cross-sectional survey study using a self-reported questionnaire was conducted for 1,280 students enrolled in 5th and 6th grades at 2 elementary schools in Kyung-Ki province by the school health nurses from March 8 to March 30, 2002.

Results : The study showed that the girls had significantly better attitudes to gender equality than the boys. However, girls showed significantly higher scores on items indicating attitudes to rigid gender roles. Students with no older siblings had significantly better attitudes than students with older siblings. Students who received sex education from their parents had significantly better attitudes than students who did not have such education.

Conclusion : Girls and first born children have better attitudes to gender equality. Also, children who had opportunities to discuss gender issues with their parents showed better attitudes to gender roles and equality.