Periods, Penises, and Patriarchy: Perspective Taking and Attitudes about Gender among Middle School, High School, and College Students

Abstract

Although many studies examine gender perceptions among adults, fewer ask children to report on their personal views and experiences of gender. The authors use an open-ended survey to ask middle school, high school, and college students what they think is best and worst about being a boy and a girl to analyze how gender perceptions vary between younger and older children. The authors find that girls’ perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of being a boy are similar to boys’ perceptions, suggesting that girls are attuned to boys’ experiences. Students have an easier time identifying the social disadvantages boys and men face, but their recognition of how patriarchy affects girls and women is more limited. Instead, they emphasize perceived biological and appearance-related advantages and disadvantages. Such foci on the body, the authors argue, undercut the potential for change and collective action.