Gender differences towards gender equality: attitudes and perceptions of college students

Abstract

In this article we describe a research project where the objective was to analyze attitudes toward gender equality among male and female university students in Quito, Ecuador. The study methods included both quantitative and qualitative phases, and the results were then integrated. In the first stage of the research, we used inferential statistics to analyze differences in attitudes towards gender equality among 75 men and 75 women. In a next phase, we used constructivist qualitative methods to analyze the narratives of 22 subjects participating in three focus groups. In the quantitative phase, we found a statistically significant difference when comparing attitudes toward gender equality between the two groups of participants, where women were more favorable toward gender equality. In the qualitative phase we identified a common narrative theme in which women felt that they were in an unfavorable situation in terms of gender relations. In addition, a category emerged that described an awareness and a desire on the part of women to change this situation. Finally, we discuss the findings from previous research as well as theoretical aspects of gender equality.