Perestroika and personality: Transformation of gender stereotypes amongst the youngsters in Russia

Abstract

Introduction. The dynamics of gender stereotypes amongst the youngsters can provide important evidence about the tendencies in the changes of behavioural stereotypes in society. Goal. To conduct a psycho-diagnostic evaluation of the changes in basic personal characteristics of young students (boys and girls) caused by the perestroika processes in the Russian society. Results. The comparison of two groups of medical students (both groups are identical: the second course, the department of general medicine, Yaroslavl State Medical University. Testing of 1992 and 2006 using the 16-PF Questionnaire and MMI – J. Nuttin) reveals at least two main tendencies in the aspect of gender differences. The first tendency is the advance increase of girls’ adaptive capabilities compared to boys. The changes in girls involve substantially enhanced dominance and efficiency of self-regulation. The second notable tendency is a considerable review of values (J. Nuttin) in the “perestroika generation”. The values of self-realization, work, and social motivation are increased in both boys and girls. However, girls report substantially lower manifestation of self-analysis and value of passive recreation, while boys show the decreased value of cognitive and research motivation, as well as “transcendent motivation”. Discussion. The respondents from the first group were carried and born in 1972–1973 (the epoch of “stability” and “stagnation” in Russia). The respondents from the second group were carried and born in 1986–1987, just after the beginning of “perestroika” in society. Perestroika gave an impetus to the development of personality including gender sphere. The second group reports a higher level of need for independent and positive activity, and these tendencies are clearer in girls.