Psychological correlates of gender identity in early adulthood

Abstract

The article deals with the psychological mechanisms of personal self-determination of the Ukrainian students (youth) in modern controversial system of traditional / patriarchal and egalitarian / democratic coordinates from the position of gender methodology. The psychological model of sex-role identification is suggested. Social and educational factors and personal determinants of personalization of gender “I” are summarized.

The social construction of gender in youth environment is determined by gender space of contemporary society, it is characterized by double contradiction: on the one hand, a partial solution of the ways of establishment of formal equality and appellation to the natural function of women, on the other hand - new, alternative system of gender relations based on the principle “equality in difference”, tendency of equal rights and opportunities for self-realization of young men and women as unique subjects of socio-historical event. On the background of “total social transformation” girl-students often express liberal installations, support more equitable devision of family roles, look for equal opportunities for self-realization. These tendencies allow to increase subjective potential, identify psychological prospects for future life creativity of young women as a way to overcome usual stereotypes,  that demonstrates the need of the development and implementation of gender specific ideological system of knowledge and practices, relevant to psychological principles of parity and self realization of sexes.

Prospects of further study on gender social construction among students, ways of egalitarian formation of personality are outlined.