Horinková, Alexandra (2025) Exploring Gender Prototypes of Young Adults: A Qualitative Study. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
People’s perceptions of gender are evolving as they are influenced by multiple factors. The present study aims to answer the research question: “What are the masculine, feminine, and non- binary prototypes of young adults?” The goal of the study is also to compare the two masculine prototypes and the two feminine prototypes and evaluate whether socially undesirable features are more common for any of the prototypes. To investigate this, in a qualitative replication study, a convenience sample of young adults (N = 98) was asked to indicate their ideas regarding at least one of the following people: a masculine male, a masculine female, a feminine male, a feminine female, or a non-binary person. Their answers were coded and organized into themes and features. The analysis revealed that most features fit into three themes: personality, appearance, and interests. Masculinity was described by features such as being muscular, self- confident, or wearing casual clothes. Femininity was viewed through features such as wearing make-up, being well-dressed, being concerned with one’s appearance, or interpersonally oriented traits such as being caring, kind, or social. Descriptions of a non-binary person focused on nonconformity to gender norms or struggling with gender identity. The results also showed that socially undesirable features were not mentioned frequently in any of the gender prototypes. The findings highlight the positive and slightly less traditional perspective that young adults hold on gender today. Future research could investigate gender perceptions in Eastern cultures and help develop interventions to tackle harmful pressuring prototypes. Keywords: gender, prototype, masculine, feminine, non-binary, qualitative research, young adults
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Supervisor name: | Goedendorp, M.M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 01 May 2025 09:17 |
| Last Modified: | 01 May 2025 09:17 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4864 |
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