CAFS IRPBy: Sonia Prasad

How do Gender Stereotypes affect an adolescent’s wellbeing?

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Table of ContentsHow do Gender Stereotypes affect an adolescent’s wellbeing? 1

Table of Contents 2Introduction 3Acknowledgements 4Abstract 5Literature Review 5Methodologies 7

Questionnaires 8Surveys 9Case Study 10

Results 11Analysis and Discussion 12Conclusions 13Bibliography 15Appendix 16

Appendix A 17Appendix B 18Appendix C 19Appendix D 20Appendix E 21Appendix F 22Appendix G 23Appendix H 24

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IntroductionThis action research project aims to investigate the question of how does gender stereotypes affect an adolescent’s wellbeing? The data for this investigation was obtained by the means of a survey and a literature review from 12 people made up of ages between 16-18 following this, the data was collated and used to interpret and understand how gender stereotypes have affected their wellbeing. I have chosen to focus on gender stereotypes since it has been a continuous issue within our society and there have always been people affected by it. It relates to the CAFS syllabus specifically in the parenting and caring topic as gender stereotypes influences how the parent and/or carer raises the child, they can either choose to implement gender stereotypes or to not implement it at all and be equal in the household. This topic relates to my culture so much since it is a crucial part in how we live and what we do, in the household there are certain jobs for certain genders and constrictions and rules are put in place so they don’t get confused or don’t like what the person is doing or wearing. In this IRP, my focus on the survey will be on how gender stereotypes affect my demographic in a range of ways such as their health, the media, and their family.

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AcknowledgementsI would like to thank the following people who have assisted me with this research project. At school, I received guidance from Ms Riley who helped me with editing the final draft of my questionnaire as well as giving me sentence starters for this IRP. I would also like to thank my interviewees for their honest contribution to this research project. This whole IRP was made by myself and I got feedback and help from my teacher (Mrs Riley), which I appreciate very much.

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AbstractFrom the Parenting and Caring syllabus, one of the topics that I have chosen to work on is 1 of the social influences on parents and carers which is gender expectations. The question that I will be used to investigate gender expectations is How do these gender stereotypes or expectations affect a person's well-being? The purpose of this IRP is to investigate how gender stereotypes affect a person’s wellbeing, the effects will be shown from adolescents. This research is meant to show the effects of gender stereotypes through a person’s wellbeing, they can be affected emotionally, physically, psychologically, etc. The different gender stereotypes and expectations affect everyone differently, my research will be what stereotypes did some of the student’s parents enforced when they were growing up as well as how it shaped them to be the person who they are today. In some cases, women or females may be affected completely differently than males or men based on the stereotypes they have been through. There have been several articles and papers published on the internet that have focused on children, adolescents and the way they live based on the stereotypes that have been given to them.

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Literature ReviewTitle of Article:

1. Health and Wellbeing | Men, Boys and Gender Equality2. Gender Roles and Stereotypes | The Children’s Society3. Gender roles and identity in children | Pregnancy Birth and Baby4. Understanding Factors That Shape Gender Attitudes in Early Adolescence Globally: A Mixed-

Methods Systematic ReviewDate:

1. 11th October 20182. February 20183. 24th June 2016

Author: 1. Lucy4. A Kagesten

Source: 1. https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-and-blogs/our-blog/traditional-gender-roles-and-

stereotypes-how-it-can-affect-children2. https://menandboys.ids.ac.uk/men-boys-and-gender-equality/themes/health-and-wellbeing 3. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/gender-roles-and-identity-in-children 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27341206

Publisher/place of publishing: 1. The Children’s Society2. Men, Boys and Gender Equality3. Pregnancy birth and baby4. PLOS One

Summary of information and page numbers (Key points):- (Source 4) Pg 1 Parent and peers are central forces in shaping ‘normal gender’ expectations. In

short, the family and the social environment often act to reinforce traditional gender roles. Pg 2 Media and school are also important formative influences - strongly reinforcing stereotypical gender attitudes.

- (Source 1) most of the adolescents have said that most of the comments that they get are about their physical appearance and the actions that they do, in front of people, which deeply affects their wellbeing

- (Source 2) Throughout different eras, generations and years, women and girls have been taught about the traditional stereotypes (cook, clean and nurture) which have obviously changed throughout the 21st-century and at the end of the 20th century, as a result, this has impacted the way women think and perceive roles and expectations within men and women.

- (Source 3) In this website, there are several types of gender stereotypes, roles and expectations which are the issues. Such as gender inequality, gender dysphoria and how it affects the adolescent’s wellbeing as well as how and what creates these roles which are then embedded into us from birth.

Relevance to research topic:- (Source 4) What is experienced at home, at school and in the adolescent’s peer group sets a strong

pattern for the adolescent? What people see as ‘normal’ is very much something that has been socially reinforced.

- (Source 3) When the child is still in the womb, as soon as they know the gender the main colours which refer to each gender is female (pink) and male (blue). As soon as adults become parents most/some of them start to instil the gender stereotypes into their life so the child will recognise that they are that gender and that’s the way they should live, which doesn’t give them the freedom to be

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their own individual. This is relevant because we notice how then the individuals are affected by these gender stereotypes and it starts with their family.

- (Source 2) This source has a focus on men’s health and vulnerability. The dominant constructions of masculinity have had a result of poor health and excess morality which can affect the relationships and health they have in the future.

- (Source 1) This source is relevant since it includes actual responses from adolescent’s and how they feel about gender stereotypes which can also be researched. As well as the pressures and expectations that are involved with gender stereotypes.

Positive and negative aspects:- Pressure, stress and emotional wellbeing is deeply impacted which can result in mental illnesses- If gender stereotypes are instilled into us from birth it doesn’t give us a chance to have the freedom

to be our own individuals or what gender they want to be.- Since women are gaining more attention in terms of inequality within society, men get somewhat

neglected in the process, which can be detrimental for the future- Society and the media have had a specific way and people they involve and promote which is the

stereotypical female and male- If we implement programs for boys and girls it will be easier for them to understand the gender

stereotypes and how they want to live- If the parent instils the gender stereotypes it’s easier for them to take care of the child and less

judgement which can also be a benefit for the child- If there is more gender equality, then there will be fewer issues that affect their wellbeing and the

statistics of them getting affected by the gender stereotypes, roles and expectations will decrease- If we have more opinions we are able to change the way people view and use gender stereotypes

Relevant quotes/statistics to support research: (with correct referencing)- “Tough boys and caring girls” (1st source)- ‘I feel judged all the time based on what I wear. It’s like girls are expected to fulfil certain ridiculous

expectations.’ (1st source)- ‘Girls get told to look a certain way and if you don’t you get told you are ugly, fat and flat chested

and that makes you not feel good enough for anyone.’ (1st source)- “Since gender is relational as well as socially constructed, it is essential to also understand how

men's and boys' broader health and well-being – alongside that of women and girls – helps or hinders in terms of creating enabling environments for improving gender equality and supporting the empowerment of women and girls.” (2nd source)

- “Gender roles are influenced both by our genes (a part of our biology) and our environment.” (3rd source)

- “The review findings indicate that young adolescents, across cultural settings, commonly express stereotypical or inequitable gender attitudes, and such attitudes appear to vary by individual sociodemographic characteristics (sex, race/ethnicity and immigration, social class, and age).” (3rd source)

- “The review findings indicate that young adolescents, across cultural settings, commonly express stereotypical or inequitable gender attitudes, and such attitudes appear to vary by individual sociodemographic characteristics (sex, race/ethnicity and immigration, social class, and age). Findings highlight that interpersonal influences (family and peers) are central influences on young adolescents’ construction of gender attitudes, and these gender socialization processes differ for boys and girls. The role of community factors (e.g. media) is less clear though there is some evidence that schools may reinforce stereotypical gender attitudes among young adolescents.” (4th source)

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Methodologies The methodologies that I will be using surveys, literature review and a case study. My primary data is my survey whilst my literature review is secondary data. I was going to consider using a case study for my other primary data but since I had gotten all the information I needed from the survey it wasn’t necessary to make one. The sample methods that I had used were cluster sampling and convenience sampling, as I wasn’t biased on who did my survey but I was focused on the age demographic. They were used since it would be suitable and correct for the survey. Since the demographic was for teenagers between the ages 16-18 it suits the question and they have a different perspective on gender stereotypes since there is more awareness whilst middle-aged people aren’t as educated or known about gender stereotypes based on how they were raised and what they were taught. The survey was constructed by drafting 10 questions maximum so it wouldn’t be too long for the people and the questions would target certain factors and different perspectives/opinions. Once I had drafted the questions, I edited it before giving it to my teacher which she gave me some feedback which I then applied. I was critical with what questions I used because I want to also have questions that will target the focus and answer it by including a range of factors such as the media and family. Overall with the literature review, the main points that I have gathered were that most of the gender roles, expectations and/or stereotypes are from social conformity and society as well as the media they are the main factors that contribute for us to oblige and actually use the stereotypes. Some to most of the gender stereotypes are from the parents this can be restricting for the kid but they were taught about that from the start which the child can’t control. Both the survey and literature review had given me a deep understanding of how gender stereotypes can affect an adolescent’s wellbeing as well as what and how it is influenced by the individual.

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SurveyThe survey was constructed by drafting 10 questions maximum so it wouldn’t be too long for the people and the questions would target certain factors and different perspectives/opinions. Once I had drafted the questions, I edited it before giving it to my teacher which she gave me some feedback which I then applied. I was critical with what questions I used because I want to also have questions that will target the focus and answer it by including a range of factors such as the media and family.

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Results

What Gender Stereotypes have you faced in your lifetime? List them below1. Nothing really2. Not being allowed to help with lifting3. Negative; girls should not be so comfortable in jeans, females shouldn’t have short hair positive; in my culture,

the wife is usually the head of the house and respected well.4. Women should be the ones responsible for household duties, should be modest, and always smiling and kind

x25. Masculine = male, feminine = feminine x36. Showing emotion is bad7. Needing to be boy crazy instead of focusing on myself8. I have heard a lot of different stereotypes but no necessarily faced them myself

Has those specific Gender Stereotypes affect your wellbeing in any way? Physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and mentally? Be specific

1. No, though I set expectations to ensure I meet the gender stereotype that strives to achieve for myself2. Yeah because I feel more depressed as it is not socially acceptable for men to cry which shows their

vulnerability3. Made me feel a little useless x34. No x25. Yeah, mainly encourage my insecurities about the way I see myself emotionally and physically x26. I behave differently by myself and with others, other than that how7. Emotionally and Mentally8. Hearing about different stereotypes has definitely influenced the way I perceived things and altered my

thinking patternsWhich gender do you believe has a stronger Stereotype? Male or female?

1. Female x22. Females because they are up against beauty standards while males tend to be more lenient on beauty

standards x23. Both are equal x24. I feel like girls face more stereotypes because they are expected to always act kind, caring etc. but when it

comes to boys, people have the mindset that “boys will be boys” and allow them to do whatever5. Male, it’s just crazy how most people really bias men over females x2

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6. Both depending on the kind of stereotypes, stereotypes surrounding men are stronger and I have transcended time. For example to be masculine. However, I believe stereotypes surrounding women are undergoing changes as women are slowly in more positions of power and more active in social issues.

7. Males as many normal human emotions are perceived as weak, resulting in males not having the support needed and not having the mindset to seek help

8. This question is quite ambiguous as it depends on how much an individual might differ from these stereotypes rather than their gender. Both genders have extremely strong stereotypes, especially when an individual has never complied to these stereotypes.

Do you think Males or Females have to change themselves to adhere to the Gender Stereotypes?1. Yes just to fit in society x42. Nah they shouldn’t, they should do what they feel is most comfortable and safe for them. x23. Yes because of conformity, people will always follow the majority4. Both x25. Females have more pressure on them than males do6. Males - oppressing sexuality and emotions and women in conforming to the sexual beings they’re expected to

be7. Every individual is different and these stereotypes will affect these individuals differently in varying degrees

and areas. It is difficult to say for certain as one of the stereotypes is to comply without showing resistance to gender stereotypes. This fact can skew the data and create inaccurate statistics.

Do you think the Media contributes to Gender Stereotypes? E.g. dolls are for girls, cars are for boys. Explain1. Yes x42. Yeah as it is easier to make a product which will certainly attract a specific group than to develop a product for

all. Media also is subject to following stereotypes resulting it in being more widespread.3. Media has the biggest influence in terms of gender stereotypes. Media is full of huge and popular identities

who promote certain things, usually, stereotypes, which become very influential on the audience.4. Yes working at Maccas being a single answer “I’ll have the boy toy” one boy slushie (blue) one girl slushie

(pink)5. Yes as gender-based advertising is powerful in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and others

around them x4Do you think society contributes to Gender Stereotypes? E.g. Certain clothes such as suits are for males and dresses are for females. Explain

1. Yes x62. Indeed, there are a lot of gender stereotypes set by society. These range from clothing and looks to

expectations and responsibilities. x23. 100% society likes to have one answer to everything and if you don’t fit in the norm it gets too much for them

to “control” you4. Yes to a great extent but the media can have a positive impact in reinforcing individuality5. Yes, e.g. pink tax

Does your family support Gender Stereotypes? E.g. cleaning the house is for girls and mowing the lawn is for boys. Explain

1. Somewhat x22. Yes my dad believes in cleaning the house and doing dishes is for the women he makes me mum do

everything he doesn’t absolutely nothing because he is very old fashioned x23. No, from a young age my mother and father have taught me how to check an engine, use a lawnmower and

change a wheel x24. No, because I am forced to do all chores including cooking x5

Do you have a job? If so, have you experienced any Gender Stereotypes in the workplace? Explain1. No x72. Yes from customers and like the expectations from the workplace to be more bubbly and smiley than the boys

who can simply say g' day here you go and girls being all Hi how are you going today blah blah3. I did, and I was expected to have short hair, which I didn’t and was forced to either wear a hat, hairnet or cut

my hair.4. I do not currently have a job. x3

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Analysis and Discussion My analysis of the above data led me to with the claim that an adolescents wellbeing can be severally affected by society, the media, the workforce, their family & friends. This can be detrimental to some but everyone tends to deal with it in different ways. Based on the survey, most of my interviewees have mentioned some traditional or societal gender stereotypes/expectations which occur daily in their household or their life. The gender stereotypes mentioned are all restricting or constraining them to live a free life without worrying about these gender stereotypes. Whilst these constraints may be detrimental, the interviewees haven’t adhered to the stereotypes completely but they all agree in terms of how society contributes and influenced the gender stereotypes. From the survey to the literature review, most of the interviewees had said that society and the media are one of the major contributors to adolescent’s wellbeing (negatively).The main findings that came out of this action research were:

● The gender stereotypes that they have mentioned wasn’t as explicit● They said that both males and females are both equal in terms of which gender has stronger

stereotypes● As well as recognising that all gender have to conform or adhere to the gender stereotypes to

please others● The media contributes to the gender stereotypes because of certain identities, promoting specific

things and having a specific audience for it● Society is one of the highest factors shown in the survey that has influenced and affected an

adolescent’s wellbeing since it involves the individual’s peers and their judgements which can shape their decision

● Family and the workplace isn’t a big factor since they only enforced the role and expectation but it’s kind of not as strict as to how society and the media would portray it

In analysing this data. The following conclusions can be drawn:● That gender stereotype involves a spectrum of factors, influences and considerations which impacts

or affects an individual’s decisions and choices as to how they would live and be as an individual.● In terms of how it affects the adolescent’s wellbeing, it causes mental illnesses such as depression

and anxiety as well as feeling disappointed and guilty for the choice(s) they have made to live and be as an individual but their peers don’t feel the same.

● Society and social aspects have negatively affected adolescent’s wellbeing which can later be impactful.

● Some of the gender stereotype sis instilled from birth due to the parents parenting techniques and methods

These were some limitations to this research which need to be explained. These include the details of how they were affected, it mentions physically, mentally etc but it doesn’t go into depth about those specific factors. As well as, there is not enough detail with the survey and data being collected but through the literature review I was able to support the question and answer it in depth. However, the evidence does support the claim that an adolescents wellbeing can be severely affected by society, the media, the workforce, their family & friends. The limitations to the research from the literature review involve whether it had directly affected the adolescent, the specific details of how that adolescent isn’t shown as well as what specific gender stereotypes have affected that individual. The results came out the way they did because of the audience which means that since the survey was somewhat invasive so it was probably kind of hard to answer the questions and there weren't many recipients that have answered my survey, but I have all the necessary answers. All the answers were what I expected except for the part where it says which gender had a stronger stereotype. The relationship between my results and question is that it includes parts of where the wellbeing is affected and the main demographic which is adolescents aged from 16-18.

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ConclusionThis research project was concerned with investigating the question of how gender stereotypes affect a person’s wellbeing which has impacted their decisions and how they were raised. The survey data tended to inform us about how adolescents interpret and are affected by gender stereotypes, which suggests that factors such as their family, the media, workplace and society are the major factors that have affected their wellbeing. Most of the interviews have said that they always have to conform to the gender stereotypes and are forced upon it which can affect their individuality and the decisions they make. The literature review data intended to give me some background research and how adolescents are affected by gender stereotypes through various articles and websites and they have conducted primary research For future research, I would manage my time properly and have a structured plan which I can follow throughout the process of completing this assignment. Since the question was quite broad it was easier to grasp what factors and influences contribute to the gender stretch at affect and adolescents wellbeing. The problems that occurred in the research was that there wasn’t a lot of information into actual studies in terms of how the gender stereotypes affected them either physically, mentally etc. with these issues in mind, I took a bit of extra time during the IRP to research and see what websites I can use to use for my background research. A final look at the results has successfully answered my question that adolescents are affected by gender stereotypes physically (changing hair and sexual organs), mentally (mental illnesses) and emotionally (depression, anxiety). From my research, it has suggested that adolescent’s feel less of themselves and their mental health could be compromised as a result. Since the media and society are the major factors in contributing and influencing gender stereotypes, it is easier if we let the individual live their life without any gender stereotypes instilled. As well as, the increasing amount of celebrities and influencers breaking the stereotypes such as transgender models, plus size and feminity and masculinity, this will help break the stereotypes.

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Bibliography1. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0157805 2. https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-and-blogs/our-blog/traditional-gender-roles-and-

stereotypes-how-it-can-affect-children 3. https://menandboys.ids.ac.uk/men-boys-and-gender-equality/themes/health-and-wellbeing 4. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/gender-roles-and-identity-in-children

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Appendix A

Project Plan

1. Research focus Question, Hypothesis or Statement

How do Gender Stereotypes affect an adolescent’s wellbeing?

2. Statement of purpose:Explain what you hope your research will find or show

- State your question/hypothesis

I hope for the research to show the variety of gender stereotypes that adolescents experience throughout their life. My question is How do Gender Stereotypes affect an adolescent's wellbeing?

3. Background - explain your interest and experiences with this topic

My interest in this topic is how gender stereotypes have affected adolescents in the way they live and their wellbeing.

4. Significance - explain why this topic and research is worth considering

This topic and research are worth considering because this informs us about a specific age group between the ages of (16-18) about what gender stereotypes that they have experiences as well as how it has affected their wellbeing either physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

5. Selecting appropriate sampling methods. I.e. Simple Random, Systematic, Cluster, Convenience, Stratified

- Outline the information you will need to answer your question or prove/disprove your hypothesis. What sources of information will you draw upon? (statistics, literature, experts in the field)

The sampling methods that I will be using are Cluster and Convenience methods. Which is helpful since I need only to have a specific demographic and I don’t really need a specific gender or amount of people to answer the survey. The information I will need is about how their family, media, gender stereotypes and/or their job which affect their wellbeing.

6. Propose how the research will be conducted.- How will you collect primary research data?- How will you collect secondary research

data?- How will you select your sample group?- How are you going to increase reliability and

validity?- How are you going to overcome bias?- How will you overcome any ethical issues?- How much time will you need?

The research will be conducted by collecting primary data through surveys, questionnaires, and a literature review. I will research websites and studies for my secondary research. I will select my sample group based on my questions. My reliability and validity will be increased by looking at the results of my survey and having questions that are valid and reliable. Bias will be overcome by them stating it (in the survey). With ethical issues since there are big questions, I don’t think there would be any since it’s just their opinion. I will need 1-2 weeks to complete research.

7. Time - submit a specific timeline for the research process

a. Conducting the researchb. Completing the diaryc. Writing your report

Conducting the research will be completed mid-way through the holidays and I will officially be completing the diary in week 3 as well as writing the report.

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Appendix B

Project Timeline

Week Lesson topics Tasks Completed

7Research FundamentalsPurpose of ResearchFocus of ResearchSampling

Brainstorming methodologies and sample sizes as well as completing the Abstract. ✓

Planning for ResearchTypes of DataSources of Data

Picking the type of data (primary or secondary) as well as being quantitative or qualitative. ✓

8Conducting ResearchReliability & ValidityEthical Behaviour

Project Plan needs to be sighted by the teacher

✓Research Methods

● Questionnaires● Interviews● Case studies● Observations● Literature reviews

The research methods that I will be using are a questionnaire, case study, survey and a literature review. ✓

9 Library Lesson - Literature reviews

I have used this lesson to create a draft for my survey and other methodologies. ✓

10 Start Surveying I have started surveying and have received a total of 12 responses which has all contributed to my results.

✓

1 Interpreting Research I have interpreted my results and have started drafting my IRP. ✓

2 Working on Final Product mainly at home

Final edits of the report and IRP ✓3 Working on Final Product

mainly at homeFinal edits of the repot and IRP ✓

4 Friday 22nd February 2020 Assessment Task Due ✓

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Appendix C

Survey draft questions1. What age bracket do you fall under?2. What is your gender?3. What gender stereotypes have you faced in your lifetime? List them below (e.g. males should be

masculine and girls should be feminine)4. Has those specific gender stereotypes affected your wellbeing in any way? E.g. physically,

emotionally, spiritually, socially and mentally. Be specific5. Which gender do you believe has a stronger stereotype? Male or female? Why?6. Do you think that males or females have to change themselves to adhere to the gender

stereotypes? Explain7. Do you think the media contributes to gender stereotypes? E.g. dolls are for girls, cars are for boys.

Explain8. Do you think society contributes to gender stereotypes? E.g. Certain clothes such as suits are for

males and dresses are for females. Explain9. Does your family support gender stereotypes? E.g. cleaning the house is for girls and mowing the

lawn is for boys. Explain10. Do you have a job? If so, have you experienced any gender stereotypes in the workplace? Explain

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Appendix Dhttps://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-and-blogs/our-blog/traditional-gender-roles-and-stereotypes-how-

it-can-affect-children

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Appendix Ehttps://menandboys.ids.ac.uk/men-boys-and-gender-equality/themes/health-and-wellbeing

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Appendix Fhttps://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/gender-roles-and-identity-in-children

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Appendix Ghttps://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0157805

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Appendix HCompleted survey by interviewee

Word Count: 4927 words (there was no word limit)

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