31st Annual Student Research Conference
Analyzing a Generation: Can Marital Traditions Survive Generation Z?
Abigail Ford
Dr. Robert Tigner, Faculty Mentor
Each new generation gets a little less traditional and a little more accepting than the generation before it. This study assesses the current generations’ changing perceptions of gender roles, with a particular focus on the traditions of marriage. Participants read scenarios about an engaged couple who either did or did not conform to marital traditions. Then participants answered questions about the couple, about their own gender identification, and about their views on marital traditions. Results reveal that participants’ opinions were changed based on manipulation of gender roles: they judged people's personalities depending on whether they did or did not conform to traditional marriage roles. Data showing how today’s heterosexual males and females view gender roles and marital traditions will also be discussed. While today’s college students tend to be more progressive, they are still influenced by tradition.
Keywords: Gender Roles, Marriage, Generation Z, Traditionalism
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 104-4
Location: MG 1098
Time: 8:45