Parental Socialisation of Young People’s Gender and Sexual Orientation in Rural Ghana: Insights for Minority Inclusion

Anthony Agbeve, University of Cape Coast
Daniel Y Fiaveh, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Martina Anto-Ocrah, University of Pittsburgh

The socialization of young people, influenced by cultural and societal contexts, significantly shapes their identities, relationships, and sense of belonging. While discussions on gender and sexual orientation have gained attention, examining these issues from a rural perspective is crucial. This paper, guided by a social constructionist perspective, analyzes narratives from parents in rural Ghana to explore discourses influencing parental attitudes towards gender construction and sexual orientation among youth. The findings reveal deeply ingrained discourses shaping parental attitudes and interactions with their children, often reinforcing conservative gender roles and heteronormative cultural expectations. Despite this, generational shifts influenced by parental education and exposure are evident, particularly among middle-class parents across different age groups. The study suggests that public backlash against minority rights and queer legislation in Ghana may reflect generational differences in socialization approaches. Understanding parental roles in shaping youth gender and sexuality is essential for promoting the well-being of young people.