Gender Stereotypes Changes and Changing Gender Role Behaviors: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract

Many scholars have used social role theory to examine gender stereotypes and changes in gender stereotypes. However, it falls short of having the same explanatory power as persons who engage in gradual cognitive processes that alter gender stereotypes and gender role behaviors. In this perspective paper, we argue that the theory of planned behavior can be used to explain the step-by-step cognitive processes of changing gender stereotypes and changing gender role behaviors. It can further be used to examine whether gender stereotypes have changed. The context we selected for this task is. We used two perspectives in this task and examined Sri Lanka as the context for analysis. In the first perspective, we argue that Attitudes, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control influence the Intentions for Changing Gender Role Behaviors. In the second perspective, we argue that Intentions and Facilitative Conditions for Changing Gender Role Behaviors influence the Changing Gender Role Behaviors. Moreover, each perspective provides directions for future research and implications for the theory.