Girls’ and boys’ self-image differs

What is self-image?

Self-image is the perception a person has of themselves. It encompasses how we assess our own abilities, our appearance, our character and our worth. A distinction is made between the real self-image (how I see myself) and the ideal self-image (how I would like to be). The wider the gap between the two, the greater the internal pressure tends to be.

Who shapes self-image?

Several factors shape young people’s self-image. Parents and family are the primary source: those who experience appreciation, support and constructive feedback as children generally develop a stable foundation. Gradually, friends and peers take on an important role in providing recognition and affirmation.

Gender gap

The current study reveals a difference between the genders: male participants were more convinced of their own positive qualities than female participants, for example regarding their own abilities (male 86.9% vs. female 80.0%), or regarding satisfaction with their own appearance (male 84.6% vs. female 74.6%).

Role models shape perceptions

What does this say about our society? One might assume that role models are still patriarchal in nature and that men see themselves in our society as more attractive, successful and high-achieving.

There is also a wealth of research on this topic. The findings vary considerably:

In 2023, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) demonstrated in its survey on family and generations how perceptions of gender roles have changed in Switzerland. The result is encouraging: only around a quarter of the population now believes that men should be the breadwinners – ten years ago, the figure was 39 per cent.

In 2024, Health Promotion Switzerland highlighted a further connection in a qualitative study on the mental health of young women: the family of origin often still conveys a traditional role model that differs greatly from the more gender-equal portrayals on social media. This discrepancy causes stress for many young women.

A longitudinal study covering the period 2000–2017 (Social Change in Switzerland) had already shown that men and people with lower levels of education in Switzerland tend to hold more traditional views on gender roles.

And although the ‘social mood’ has become more egalitarian, the image of the mother who stays at home with the children remains deeply ingrained in people’s minds. As soon as a woman becomes a mother, the traditional role model often takes hold again.

Social change has raised awareness of psychological issues. It is easier today to talk about insecurities than it was twenty years ago.

A complete alignment of self-perceptions between the sexes has apparently not yet taken place among the younger generation.