THE INFLUENCE OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON YOUNG PEOPLE’S PERCEPTIONS OF FAMILY

Abstract

This article explores the psychological aspects of gender labels that influence the family concepts of university students. The analysis identifies how emotional, cognitive, and motivational components, as well as established perceptions of gender roles, affect students’ personality development and decision-making processes. The findings reveal that traditional gender stereotypes prevalent in society continue to play a major role in shaping students’ family models and future plans. This trend demonstrates that, despite the emergence of advanced notions of gender equality in contemporary times, traditional perceptions still dominate among student youth. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the assertion that the psychological effects of gender roles within the family significantly influence not only personal decisions and choices but also emotional relationships and social expectations. Specifically, the study seeks to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying gender-based expectations and the division of gender roles in students’ attitudes toward the family, to examine the influence of emotional, cognitive, and motivational components formed in this process, and to offer scientific insights aimed at overcoming existing gender stereotypes. In order to achieve this goal, the study sets out the following objectives: To conduct a theoretical analysis of the psychological dimensions (emotional, cognitive, and motivational) of gender labels and stereotypes; To determine the role of ethnic identity, family environment, and social factors in shaping students’ perceptions of gender roles; To comparatively analyze female and male students’ attitudes toward male and female roles within the family; To investigate how gender identity and the process of sexual self-awareness influence students’ decision-making and their models of family structure; To identify how traditional gender stereotypes impact young people’s professional choices, family life, and social behaviors; To reveal the mechanisms through which social and psychological stereotypes affect students’ personality development and emotional relationships.