The Effects of Gender Sensitivity and Sexual Media Literacy on University Students’ Gender Role Stereotypes

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of gender sensitivity and sexual media literacy on gender role stereotypes among university students. Methods: A total of 180 university students completed an online self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis with SPSS 30. Results: Gender role stereotypes showed differences according to sex (t=-4.96, p<.001) and major (F=6.26, p=.002). Gender role stereotypes were negatively correlated with gender equality awareness (β=-.82, p<.001) and gender awareness (β=-.63, p<.001), which are subcomponents of gender sensitivity, as well as media literacy on sexual depictions (β =-.40, p<.001), which is a subcomponent of sexual media literacy. Gender role stereotypes were also positively correlated with age (β=.24, p=.001). Regression analysis revealed that higher levels of gender equality awareness (β=-.67, p<.001) and gender awareness (β=-.13, p=.023) were associated with significantly lower gender role stereotypes. Also, older age was associated with stronger gender role stereotypes (β=.10, p=.023). These factors explained 69% of the variance of gender role stereotypes. Conclusion: Based on these findings, implementing comprehensive gender sensitivity education and institutional policies that promote gender equality in universities may effectively reduce gender role stereotypes of university students and foster gender-equal culture in campus.