The Girls Inc. survey also found that gender stereotyping affects girls' quality of life and plans for the future. Girls Inc. Gender stereotyping influences the way boys see girls, as well as the way girls see themselves. Almost a third of all students believe that it is difficult for a girl to become the kind of person she wants to be when she grows up. Boys are slightly more likely than girls to hold this belief. Adults, who were also surveyed, sympathize with the challenges facing girls today.
Women also are more likely to recognize the harmful effects of stereotypes.
The survey also documented the enormous benefit girls get from relationships with adults. We can't underestimate the importance of adults in girls' lives. The data show that adults contribute to girls' satisfaction with their lives today. The Harris survey was conducted between October 4 and December 16, 1999. An in-class questionnaire was distributed to 2,028 girls and boys in grades 3 to 12.