Date of Publication

4-2025

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Social Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Advisor

Maria Guadalupe C. Salanga

Defense Panel Chair

Darren E. Dumaop

Defense Panel Member

Jayeel Cornelio
John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta

Abstract/Summary

Over the past decades, the Philippines has observed a gradual decline in fertility rates, which fell below the replacement level in 2022 (PSA, 2022). Despite living in a predominantly Catholic society known for their opposing views on sexual and reproductive rights, Filipino women are challenging traditional gender roles, particularly motherhood (Arnaldo 2019; del Monte 2022; Enriquez 2020). This study aimed to explore how religious fundamentalist beliefs perpetuate sexism, which in turn influences their perceptions of childfree women. All participants (N = 270; mean age 30, 145 men, 123 women, and 2 undisclosed) who identify with Roman Catholicism completed measures on religiosity, religious fundamentalism, ambivalent sexism, and attitude toward childfree women. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that greater adherence to religious fundamentalism was positively associated with ambivalent sexism. However, contrary to previous studies suggesting a stronger relationship between benevolent sexism and Christian religiosity, this study found a stronger relationship between Catholic religious fundamentalism and hostile sexism. Nevertheless, benevolent sexism partially mediated the relationship between religious fundamentalism and attitude toward childfree women. This indicates that those with rigid religious beliefs tend to perceive stereotypical women positively, thus perceiving childfree women who are defying the status quo more negatively.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Religious fundamentalism--Philippines; Sexism--Philippines; Childfree choice--Philippines

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Embargo Period

4-6-2028

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Available for download on Thursday, April 06, 2028

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