Effects of Gender Stereotyping on Women’s Social Development: A Case of Urbanized Turkana Women In Eldoret Town-Kenya
Loading...
Date
2018-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
This study investigates and presents effects of gender stereotyping on urbanized Turkana
women’s social development in Eldoret, Kenya. It identifies the cultural factors influencing their
involvement in social development, while discussing how these women can impact their own
social development. The study also examines the role of local leaders in addressing gender
stereotyping, while suggesting strategies that would address it and improve urbanized Turkana
women’s participation in social development. The study used mixed method approach and
applied Convergent Parallel Research Design. Two theories guided the study, namely
Consciousness Raising and Radical Feminist theories. The sample size was 549 respondents
involving 150 Turkana and 399 non-Turkana. Data was gathered by means of questionnaires,
interviews and focus group discussions. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS for
quantitative, and content analysis for qualitative data. Findings revealed that gender stereotyping
has a negative moderate relationship with women’s social development with “r” value of -0.337,
while statistically influencing it since “p” = 0.000, which is less than 0.05, the ideal value.
Results also demonstrate that there is a negative weak relationship between cultural factors and
women’s social development with “r” = -0.131, and statistically influence it since “p” = 0.015,
less than 0.05. Similarly, findings indicate that there is a negative weak relationship between
local leaders and women’s social development with “r” = -0.201, and that they have a statistical
influence on women’s social development since “p”= 0.000 and it is less than the ideal value.
Based on these results, the researcher proposes an action plan as a way forward. One of the
proposed activities is the sensitization of Eldoret local leaders and the community on effects of
gender stereotyping. The creation of support groups for women, which helps them to work
together and raise their voices is another key factor. The researcher believes that the findings in
this study will contribute to the fight against gender stereotyping everywhere in the world. The
study also points out areas of further studies in the future for academics.
Description
Keywords
Gender, Stereotyping, Stereotyping, Social Development, Turkana