Gendered messages received in childhood and how they have influenced one's perceptions on gender

Abstract

To develop gendered attitudes, children must acquire the related knowledge. This occurs in the early years of life through observation and modelling at home, and reinforced at school, through interaction with peers, and by the media (Brannon, 2010). This study aims at exploring how gendered influences in childhood have shaped adult perception on gender. Two focus groups were conducted - one with female participants, the other with male participants, all of who were heterosexual, and between the ages of 18-25 - the data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that some influences are prominent whilst others are subtle, yet all of them contribute to the perceptions one forms on gender.