GENDER STEREOTYPES IN UZBEK CONTEXTS

Аннотация

This article examines the construction, maintenance, and manifestation of gender stereotypes in Uzbekistan through a sociological lens. Drawing on scholarly research and recent surveys, it analyzes how traditional patriarchal norms continue to shape perceptions of gender roles in family life, media, education, and the workplace. Uzbek society has undergone significant social changes – including Soviet-era reforms and contemporary legal initiatives – yet deep-rooted stereotypes persist. Women are often associated with domesticity and caregiving, while men are cast as breadwinners and authority figures, expectations that are reinforced through family socialization, media portrayals, and institutional practices. These stereotypes impact real-life outcomes: influencing educational and career paths, limiting women’s public and economic participation, and contributing to gender inequality and gender-based violence. The article provides real-life examples from family dynamics, media representation, educational practices, and workplace interactions in Uzbekistan. It highlights recent progress and policy measures aimed at promoting gender equality, while underscoring the enduring influence of cultural norms. The discussion is grounded in academic analysis and supported by data from national studies and international reports. In conclusion, the article argues that dismantling harmful gender stereotypes in Uzbekistan is crucial for achieving substantive gender equality, and it calls for continued sociological inquiry, public awareness, and policy action to foster more egalitarian gender relations. Keywords: gender stereotypes; Uzbekistan; patriarchal norms; gender roles; sociological analysis; gender equality.