PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF GENDER EQUALITY FORMATION IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION AND WAR

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the psychological aspects of the formation of gender equality in the context of social transformation and war. Under conditions of profound social change and military challenges, traditional gender roles undergo significant re-evaluation, which has both psychological and social consequences.The main theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of gender socialization are considered, in particular the biopsychological, socio-cognitive, and cultural-historical perspectives. The article analyzes how war influences the transformation of traditional perceptions of male and female roles, disrupts established stereotypes, and contributes to the emergence of new models of gender behavior. The socio-psychological factors influencing changes in gender perceptions are identified, among which the role of the media, the education system, and public initiatives is emphasized. It is shown how public narratives about women leaders, servicewomen, and activists, as well as the depiction of men’s emotional vulnerability, affect public consciousness and promote the overcoming of traditional gender stereotypes.Special attention is paid to the psychological barriers to achieving genuine gender equality, including gender stereotypes, implicit biases, the «glass ceiling» effect, and gender fatigue phenomenon. The article highlights the necessity of profound psychological reflection, the development of critical thinking, and the implementation of psychological practices to overcome both internal and external restrictions. The role of gender-sensitive counseling, emotional intelligence development, and psychoeducation is analyzed as effective tools for supporting gender equality under conditions of social turbulence. It is concluded that the formation of gender equality is not only the result of legal changes but primarily a process of psychological transformation of the individual and collective consciousness. The article emphasizes the crucial role of psychology as a science and practice in shaping a more just, inclusive, and humane society. The article also outlines promising directions for further psychological research on gender equality in the context of post-traumatic societal adaptation and the institutional support of gender-sensitive practices.