Title: Identity Effects of Differential Gender Socialization on Young Adolescents’ Aspirations for First Child and Marriage in Ouagadougou: A Mixed-Methods Study

Previous studies show that gender socialization develops differentiated gender identities in girls and boys, influencing their self-esteem and sexual behaviors. Although early adolescence is considered a pivotal period for gender socialization, few studies in Francophone Africa investigate the role of gender identity effects from this process on sexual and reproductive health aspirations and behaviors among this population. This article uses data from young adolescents and parents in Ouagadougou to examine how the outcomes of gender socialization among girls and boys are associated with their aspirations for marriage and having their first child. The results show that young adolescents adhere to unequal gender norms. This leads to girls having earlier aspirations for marriage and later aspirations for childbearing, while boys have earlier aspirations for childbearing and later aspirations for marriage. These differential effects can expose girls and boys to risks of poor sexual and reproductive health. Interventions promoting gender-equitable norms could strengthen girls’ self-esteem and mutual respect between the sexes, thereby improving their sexual and reproductive health during youth and adulthood.

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