Gender Differences in Self Esteem among Young Adults of Raipur, Uttar Pradesh, India

Study Objective: To understand the association between gender and self esteem among the young adults. The paper would also focus on how experiential and demographic factors affecting self esteem. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among the young adults of age group 20-25 years Continuing education and residing in Raipur, Uttar Pradesh, India. All the young adults were considered of the area. A total of 203 respondents were selected out of which 110 were male respondents and 93 were female respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was prepared to assess self-esteem and applied along with the Rosenberg self esteem scale consisting of 25 items. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results: Self esteem of the men was found out to be significantly higher than that of women. Education of respondents, education of respondent's mother, family income, caste and number of siblings were associated with self esteem. There are broader and over arching reasons behind low self esteem whose implications go beyond individual and psychological situations further delay in attitude to compete with the outer world and put a great impact. Conclusion: Attitudes of family members towards girl child should be changed to enhance gender neutrality atmosphere at home and in the society as whole. Policy efforts must address sex specific needs to elaborate further on the areas of gender inequalities.