Gender Role Differences in the Preferences of Values Among University Students

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of gender roles on the preferences of values among postgraduate students studying in Baha Uddin Zakariya University Multan. The sample consisted of 256 students; 126 male and 130 female students who were selected through convenient sampling technique. The Allport-Vernon Study of Values Questionnaire measuring six personal values and Bern Sex Role Inventory measuring masculinity and femininity were used. The data were analyzed on SPSS-21 employing Pearson Correlations and t-test. The findings revealed the significant relationships among gender roles and personal values. Results showed that males were found more political, social and economic while females were found more religious, theoretic and aesthetic. Correlation analysis depicted that masculinity was more related to political, social and economic values and femininity was more related to religious, theoretic and aesthetic values. The study findings have the significant implications for students’ teachers and parents in the manner that understanding of gender roles and preferences of values will help them to understand their expected roles and behaviors in daily activities.