The relationship between gender stereotypes and job satisfaction among female employees: the role of years of education and subjective well-being

Based on the data of 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this paper explores the relationship between gender stereotypes and job satisfaction among 2501 female employees from the perspective of social role theory. Additionally, it examines the mediating role of subjective well-being and the moderating effect of years of education. The results indicate that gender stereotypes among female employees have a negative predictive effect on job satisfaction. Subjective well-being mediates the relationship between gender stereotypes and job satisfaction and the mediating effect of subjective well-being is moderated by years of education. Specifically, compared to female employees with lower years of education, those with higher years of education exhibit a stronger positive predictive effect of subjective well-being on their job satisfaction. Therefore, on the path towards gender equality and female career development, it is necessary to comprehensively consider various factors such as improving the workplace environment, enhancing the impact of education, implementing mental health interventions, and fostering a sense of self-awareness, in order to achieve a substantial improvement in female employees’ job satisfaction.