Gender-role stereotyping, self-concept and attitude to work of auto-artisans in Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine gender stereotyping, self-concept and attitude of auto-artisans towards work. The cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used for the study. Stratified sampling, based on sex and areas of specialization, was used in the selection of the sample for the study. A total of 350 auto-artisans drawn from Siwudu, Kokompe and Suame took part in the study. A 76-item interview schedule was used for the data collection. The chi-square and the t-test of independence at alpha level of .05 were used in the analysis of data. The study revealed that there was a strong relationship between sex and the choice of auto-work among auto-artisans. There was also a significant difference between male and female auto-artisans in their perception of sex-roles. There were no significant differences between male and female auto-artisans’ attitude to work and self-concept at the work place The study recommended the need to develop an educational system to promote gender-neutrality in the choice of vocation. Vigorous career counselling in schools was needed to encourage more females to take up stimulating and challenging jobs in the so-called male occupations. The general public should unlearn the traditional stereotyped ideas that have conditioned their perceptions of sex-roles. Females should, therefore, be encouraged to take on challenging jobs.