Misperceived Gender Norms: Attitudes Versus Beliefs Toward Gender Equality

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between personal attitudes and peer beliefs regarding gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence and sexual harassment, among young men (n = 40) and women (n = 171) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Drawing on existing literature, this study addresses how misperceived norms and pluralistic ignorance sustain rigid gender norms and inequalities.

The study employs a deductive and quantitative research approach, using cross-sectional data collected through structured surveys. The surveys were designed to investigate perspectives on gender equality in leadership and education, as well as perspectives on GBV and sexual harassment. The questions covered various dimensions to quantify beliefs about their own attitudes, beliefs about peer attitudes, and those of the opposite gender. Moreover, qualitative interviews (n = 13) were conducted with key stakeholders and survey participants to provide contextual depth and cultural insights into the findings.

The findings reveal significant gender disparities in attitudes, with men more likely to have traditional views while women predominantly support gender equality. Despite these differences, both genders show high acceptance of GBV, reflecting the persistence of rigid gender norms. Within-gender beliefs demonstrate generally accurate perceptions of peer attitudes, although substantial pluralistic ignorance is identified in beliefs about sexual harassment, where both men and women overestimate peer acceptance. Cross-gender beliefs further reveal notable biases, including women overestimating men’s acceptance of GBV and sexual harassment while men underestimate women’s rejection of these subjects. These findings accentuate the critical role of misperceptions in perpetuating gender inequality.

This thesis contributes to a growing body of research on gender equality in Sub-Saharan Africa by analyzing misperceived norms and pluralistic ignorance in Tanzania. The findings highlight the need for interventions to correct misperceived norms and challenge rigid gender norms that sustain gender inequality and GBV.