Structural Equation Model Study On Influencing Factors Of Gender Equality Awareness Of School-age Children

Objectives:To understand the current situation of gender equality awareness and its influencing factors among school-age children in China.We use structural equation modeling to explore the paths and strengths of the influencing factors.To provide the corresponding theoretical basis and countermeasures for families and schools to implement gender equality education for school-age children.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted using multi-stage sampling of primary school students in grades 1-6 and their parents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 software.Statistical inference consisted of t-tests,analysis of variance,LSD test,Pearson correlation analysis,multiple stepwise linear regression analysis and structural equation modelling.Results:(1)The total score for gender equality awareness among school-age children was(17.46±7.74),with scores of(6.62±2.77)in the family field,(6.13±3.00)in the school field and(4.71±3.10)in the occupational field.(2)The results of the monofactor analysis showed that the differences in gender equality awareness scores were statistically significant(p<0.05)among school-age children by gender,age,grade,parents’ working outside the home,parents’ relationship status,parents’quarrels,who they lived with,most important caregiver,number of same-sex friends,tendency to make friends,average monthly household income,father’s literacy,and mother’s literacy.(3)Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between school-age children’s gender equality awareness and their total gender role scores,parent-child relationship,teacher-student relationship,parents’ gender equality awareness,and parents’ total gender role scores(p<0.05).(4)Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that children’s age,gender,primary caregiver,gender role,parent-child relationship,teacher-student relationship and their parents’ gender equality awareness had predictive effects on children’s gender equality awareness.(5)The structural equation model showed that the total effect of parental gender equality awareness on school-age children’s gender equality awareness is 0.557,of which the direct effect of 0.543 and the indirect effect of 0.014.The total effect of gender role on gender equality awareness of school-age children was 0.033,all of which were indirect effects.The total effect of teacher-student relationship on gender equality awareness of school-age children was 0.094,all of which were direct effects.The total effect of parent-child relationship on gender equality awareness of school-age children was 0.026,all of which were indirect effects.The total effect of peer relationship on gender equality awareness of school-age children was 0.024,all indirect effects.Conclusions:School-age children scored the lowest in gender equality in occupational field.Gender,age,primary caregiver,gender roles,parental gender equality awareness,parent-child relationship,and teacher-student relationship are the main influencing factors for gender equality awareness among school-age children.Parents and teachers are reminded to be aware of the need to raise their own gender equality awareness in the education process,to integrate the concept of bisexual education and to use appropriate educational methods to enhance the close relationship with children.