Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 28, 2025
07:15
Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
1.7K
Structural gender inequality and gender differences in adolescent substance use: A multilevel study from 45 countries
Alina Cosma1,2,3, Frank J Elgar4, Margreet de Looze5
1Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
SSM - Population Health
|September 20, 2022
Summary
Societal gender inequality is linked to adolescent substance use differences. In more unequal countries, the gender gap in substance use widens, with girls less likely to engage in heavy drinking, alcohol use, or smoking than boys.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Societal gender inequality significantly impacts various health behaviors.
- Adolescent substance use presents a critical public health concern with potential long-term consequences.
- Existing research indicates gender disparities in adolescent substance use, but the role of societal context requires further exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between societal gender inequality and gender differences in adolescent substance use.
- To determine if the gender gap in adolescent substance use is moderated by the level of gender inequality within a country.
Main Methods:
- Cross-national comparative analysis utilizing existing survey data on adolescent substance use and gender inequality indices.
- Statistical modeling to assess the association between country-level gender inequality and gender-specific rates of alcohol and tobacco use among adolescents.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was observed between higher levels of societal gender inequality and a larger gender gap in adolescent substance use.
- In countries with greater gender inequality, adolescent boys reported higher rates of drunkenness, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking compared to girls.
- The disparity in substance use between genders was notably smaller in more gender-egalitarian societies.
Conclusions:
- Societal gender inequality is a crucial factor shaping gendered patterns of adolescent substance use.
- Interventions aimed at reducing adolescent substance use should consider the broader societal context of gender equality.
- Addressing gender inequality may be an effective strategy for mitigating gender disparities in adolescent substance use.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
69
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
69
01:28Conduct Disorder
102
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
102
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
211
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
211
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
117
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
117
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
77
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
77
01:50Cross-Sectional Research
11.6K
In cross-sectional research, a researcher compares multiple segments of the population at the same time. If they were interested in people's dietary habits, the researcher might directly compare different groups of people by age. Instead of following a group of people for 20 years to see how their dietary habits changed from decade to decade, the researcher would study a group of 20-year-old individuals and compare them to a group of 30-year-old individuals and a group of 40-year-old...
11.6K