As noções de masculino e feminino: concepções ideológicas e papéis de gênero

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize the conceptions of Uberlândia adult population about the gender roles that permeate the social imaginary and verify the existence of asymmetries in the representations of femininity or masculinity traits. The theoretical framework was guided by the concept of gender and its history, relating it with stereotypes and gender roles, as well as theories about ideology to deal with gender asymmetries and male domination; language to demonstrate how traits are reproduced in everyday discourses; and thémata due to their ability to instill ideas when associated with discourse and social representations. A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study. The sample was made of 1000 participants residing in Uberlândia-MG, with 52.7% being female, aged between 20 and 49 years. Participants have found a structured questionnaire that addressed the assessments of the characteristic traits of men and women. The data were submitted to descriptive analysis of frequencies with crossings according to the social characteristics of the participants, as well as the analysis of multiple correspondences. The results demonstrate that the dominance and instrumentality traits are considered masculine, while submission and expressiveness are traits attributed to the feminine. Women received the traits of sensitivity, beauty, emotion, delicacy, tenderness, care, submission, obedience, cooperation, tolerance and reason. Men were more represented by the traits of aggressiveness, strength, selfishness, power and competition. These traits analysis verified the existence of normative standards, rules or social obligations that may structure an asymmetrical relationship of the gender roles. The traits attributions reveals an unevenness of power between men and women, according to the logic of stereotypes and thémata, which the feminine roles still appear to be unquestionable.