Gender‐bashing in adolescents: structural relations with heterosexual matrix, racism/xenophobia and attitudes toward bullying

Abstract

Background. This study examined the combined influence of gender variables (specifically gender stereotypes, sexism, and genderism/transphobia) as well as racism/xenophobia and attitudes toward bullying roles on gender‐bashing. Methods. A trans‐cultural sample of 2410 Spanish and Portuguese students participated in the study (mean age = 15.13). Structural equation modeling and multiple group analyses were used to examine the relationships among variables. Results. The model revealed a good fit with the data for the whole sample. Results showed that instrumentality, hostile sexism, genderism/transphobia, racism/xenophobia, and positive attitudes toward the bully were positively correlated with gender‐bashing. An inverse pattern was also observed: expressiveness, benevolent sexism, and positive attitudes toward the defender were negatively correlated with gender‐bashing. Overall, the eight variables explained 48% of the variance of gender‐bashing. Structural relationships among the assessed constructs were equivalent for girls and boys, and for Spain and Portugal. Conclusions. These results reveal the need to implement inclusive educational policies to improve school health, which promote expressiveness, egalitarian attitudes, and sexual and cultural diversity.