Development of gender identity during adolescence: perspectives from Jordanian and Syrian youth

Abstract

The current study applied a life-course approach with 64 Jordanian and Syrian adolescents (15–19 years old) to understand when and how sociocultural norms are internalized and shaped the gender identity of adolescents passing from childhood to adulthood. The study participants reflected on important life events that shaped their sexual and gender identity in in-depth interviews using visual timelines. Data were analysed using narrative qualitative methods. The participants described the end of childhood as an essential transition point in forming gender-roles and identity. Normative gender role expectations were internalized through two social processes: nature vs. nurture and the public sphere is for men, while the private sphere is for women. Through these processes, the participants gradually adopted stereotypical adult gender roles culturally present in Jordan. The adolescents highlighted gender inequalities and double social standards as they evaluated the impact of restrictive gender norms on the evolution of their stereotypical gender roles.