Changing Gender Stereotypes: A Survey on Definitions and Dimensions

Abstract

Changing gender stereotypes has been a hot topic among researchers on gender studies since the 1970s. Researchers have considered this concept and tested it in different studies with other variables in various contexts in the world. Anyone who is interested in studying the changing gender stereotypes may require the definitions given and dimensions used by the researchers in this area. Therefore, the main purpose of doing this study is to synthesize the definitions and dimensions on this area and which will make some implications for future researchers. To materialize the purpose of the study, a literature survey was conducted by considering research work published in the past 20 years using the archival method. For that, famous research databases were accessed. Survey results found a common definition for changing gender stereotypes which is believed to be applicable to any society in the world. When it comes to the dimensions used, researchers operationalized the concept using various dimensions where the most commonly used dimensions have been masculinity and femininity. Based on these two dimensions, researchers have used various aspects to cover these dimensions.