PROBIR TAXLIL NATIJASIDA HOSIL BOʻLGAN KAPEL VA SHLAK CHIQINDILARIDAN QOʻSHGʻOSHIN ISHLAB CHIQARISH VA SHLAK CHIQINDILARNI INSON HAYOTI VA ATROF-MUHITGA TAʻSIRI

Аннотация

Gender sensitivity remains a critical issue in many societies, and Uzbek families are no exception. This study examines the prevailing challenges related to gender sensitivity in modern Uzbek households, exploring how traditional norms and contemporary influences intersect. Using qualitative and quantitative data, this research highlights disparities in gender roles, decision-making power, and cultural expectations within Uzbek families. Findings suggest that while some progress is being made, traditional gender expectations still heavily influence family dynamics, leading to gender inequality in various aspects of family life. Recommendations forpromoting gender sensitivitywithin thiscultural contextare provided. Kewords:gender sensitivity, gender roles, family dynamics, decision-making, patriarchy, Uzbekistan, traditional norms, Central Asia, gender inequality, intergenerational differences, urban-rural divide, cultural expectations,mixed-methods study,post-sovietsocieties,women’s empowerment; INTRODUCTION. Gender sensitivity—awareness and consideration of gender-based differences and their impacts on social, economic, and cultural contexts—remains a complex and evolving issue globally. In Uzbekistan, a country deeply influenced by its historical, cultural, and socio-political background, traditional gender roles are still highly prevalent in many family structures. These roles, shaped by influences from pre-Soviet patriarchal traditions, Soviet-era policies, and post-independence reforms, continue toimpact the dynamics within Uzbek households today. Understanding these dynamics is essential, as family structures are a primary influence on individuals' development and, collectively, on broader social patterns related to gender equality. The persistence of gender inequality within Uzbek families is partially rooted in the cultural norms established by Uzbekistan's historical experiences. The Soviet era brought official gender equality policies, aiming to involve women in the workforce and education. However, these policies often reinforced women’s dual responsibilities, requiring them to balance paid labor with traditional household roles, leading to a phenomenon often referred to as the dual burden. Since independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has experienced social transformations driven by globalization, urbanization, and economic reform. Nonetheless, many gender norms remain deeply entrenched, particularly in rural areas where traditional expectations are stronger and influence family dynamics morerigidly. In Uzbek families, the division of labor and decision-making is often marked by strong patriarchal norms. Men are typically viewed as the heads of households, wielding authority in significant matters such as financial decisions, career paths, and family goals. Women, meanwhile, are usually assigned domestic responsibilities, child-rearing, and caregiving roles. This study aims to examine how these gender roles persist or shift in modern Uzbek families, especially given increasing exposure to egalitarian gender models through education and urban development. Although there are indications of gradual changes, with younger generations in urban areas showing more balanced approaches to gender roles, the extent and impact of these shiftsremain unclear. METHODS. This research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. This design allows for a comprehensive analysis of gender sensitivity in Uzbek families, leveraging both statistical trends from survey data and detailed personal narratives from interviews. 217 http://www.academicpublishers.org The quantitative data provides a broad view of prevalent attitudes and practices, while the qualitative data offers in-depth insights into individual experiences and perceptions regarding gender roles within family structures. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, to explore gender sensitivity challenges within Uzbek families. The study design draws on prior research by Kane and Gorbenko (1, 2016), Constantine et al. (2, 2013), and Kamp (3, 2005), which investigated the intersection of colonial legacies, Soviet policies, and traditional gender norms across Central Asia, offering insights into the historical and socio-political influences on gender dynamics. The integration of both quantitative and qualitative methods allows this study to capture broad patterns in gender perceptions and decision-making roles while examining how these patterns align with or diverge from historical and ideological influences inUzbek society. Participants were selected from diverse regions across Uzbekistan, with an even gender split to reflect balanced perspectives onfamily dynamics and gender sensitivity. The sample included 200 individuals aged 18 to 60, representing various familial roles (e.g., married, single, widowed). This approach ensured representation across age