Genders’ Disparities in Perceptions of Gender Equality: Analysis of Criminology Student’s Beliefs and Perspective
A study of 500 criminology students at Isabela State University reveals that despite a predominantly male demographic, the respondents demonstrate high awareness of gender disparities and hold positive perceptions regarding gender inclusivity, university policies, and the overall academic climate.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
In the study of crime and justice, the people who enforce the law are not just neutral observers; they are products of the society they serve, carrying with them a set of beliefs about how the world works. Among these beliefs, the understanding of gender equality is particularly critical. Gender equality, in its simplest form, is the idea that people of all genders should have the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities, free from discrimination based on whether they are male, female, or identify as something else. When students train to become future police officers, investigators, and legal professionals, their views on these issues shape how they will treat victims, suspects, and colleagues in the years to come. If a future officer believes that certain roles are naturally suited for one gender over another, that bias can ripple through the entire justice system, affecting everything from who gets hired to how cases are solved. Understanding these perceptions is not just an academic exercise; it is a way to see whether the next generation of law enforcers is ready to build a fairer system.
A recent study conducted at Isabela State University in the Philippines sought to map out these exact perceptions among students training to become criminologists. The researchers gathered a large group of 500 students, ranging from their first year of study to their final year, to ask them what they knew about gender inequality and how they felt about the fairness of their own university environment. The group was mostly male, with nearly 60 percent of the respondents identifying as men, while about 35 percent identified as women. A small number of students identified as LGBTQ or chose not to disclose their gender. Most of these students were young adults, with the majority falling between the ages of 18 and 20, a time in life when personal worldviews are still being solidified.
The researchers asked the students a series of questions to measure how aware they were of gender disparities in the real world. The results showed that these students were highly informed. On average, they demonstrated a strong recognition that gender inequality exists in society, particularly in the workplace where pay and promotion opportunities often differ, and in the media, where movies and advertisements frequently rely on old-fashioned stereotypes about men and women. The students also clearly understood how traditional expectations of what a man or a woman "should" do can limit people's lives. They were aware that these disparities have negative consequences for individuals and for society as a whole. In short, the students entering the field of criminology were not ignorant of the problem; they possessed a clear and detailed understanding of the landscape of gender inequality.
Beyond their general knowledge, the researchers wanted to know if the students felt their own university was doing a good job at promoting equality. The students reported that they were aware of the school's efforts to support gender equality. They noted that the university provides training for staff and students, actively encourages women and gender-diverse individuals to take on leadership roles, and has clear rules against harassment and discrimination. While the students felt these policies were in place and visible, they also sensed that some areas, such as the diversity of the faculty and the specific support services available for different genders, were not as prominent or consistent as they could be. The overall picture was one of a supportive environment where the rules of fairness were known, even if the execution of those rules felt like it had room for improvement.
When asked about their personal experiences within the criminology program, the students expressed a strong belief that they were being treated fairly. They agreed that their professors and classmates judged them based on their skills and contributions rather than their gender. They felt that both men and women had equal chances to participate in class activities and that the coursework itself was respectful and inclusive of all genders. Interestingly, while the overall climate was seen as fair, a few students noted subtle differences in their daily lives. Some felt that gender might still influence how often they spoke in class or that male students were occasionally encouraged more to take on leadership roles in group projects. However, these were minor notes in a sea of positive feedback; the vast majority of students felt that their education was a place where merit mattered more than gender.
The study concludes that the future law enforcers at Isabela State University are entering their careers with a strong foundation of awareness regarding gender issues. They recognize the inequalities that exist in the wider world and believe that their own training ground is largely committed to fixing them. The researchers suggest that while the current policies are working well to create a positive atmosphere, there is still value in making sure that every student feels equally seen and supported. By continuing to hold open discussions and refining how the university supports its diverse student body, the program can ensure that these students graduate not only as skilled professionals but as advocates for a justice system that truly treats everyone with equal respect. The path forward involves keeping the conversation alive, ensuring that the high level of awareness these students possess translates into action throughout their careers.
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