This according to a study that examined the various influencing factors that shape the judgment of 14 to 30 year-olds, lead by the University of Luxembourg and the Ministry of Equality between Women and Men, the findings of which were presented in Belval on Tuesday morning.
The study marks the beginning of a 3 year long doctorate thesis on the inception and evolution of socio-cultural stereotypes, and stands as the first of its kind in Luxembourg. "From Stereotypes to Hostile Sexism - A Psychological Analysis of Conceptions about Gender" is the name of PhD student Miriam-Linnea Hale's thesis, a project she is undertaking under the supervision of Dr. André Melzer.
Around 400 people participated, the majority of whom were women with an average age of 21. One conclusion PhD student Miriam-Linnea Hale was already able to draw is that there are still a number of stereotypes that are widely held and believed. To illustrate her point Hale cited two examples: men tended to be more sex-orientated, and there are still a number of professions that are not deemed appropriate for women.
It is through these stereotypes that a person's own character and personality no longer take centre stage, obscured as they are by norms and qualities assumed inherent to one's sex.
Minister Taina Boffering is convinced that these stereotypes stymie individual potential and growth. It was therefore necessary to consider by capacity, not by convention.
Furthermore, Bofferding highlighted that the struggle against stereotypes endured within her department, but also within the spheres of work and education.
Finally, Professor Christine Schiltz concluded that the study's current and future results would provide a solid foundation through which future prevention and intervention measures could be developed.
