Relationship of Gender and Literary Preferences among Selected Senior High School Students in Lumampopng National High School-indang Annex, indang, Cavite

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The study determined the significant relationship between gender and preferred literary genres and themes among the selected senior high school students of Lumampong National High School-Indang Annex, Indang, Cavite. This also identified the difference between male and female students' literary preferences in terms of types, themes, purposes and factors considered on their choices.

METHODS

There were 100 male and 100 female selected participants from grades 11 and 12 with Literature subjects. The researchers used quantitative research through the survey method and applied the stratified random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count and the chi-square test of independence.

RESULTS

The study revealed that there is a strong association between gender and literary genre. Results showed that male and female students have commonalities and differences in preferences. Both of them dominantly prefer poetry for literary type and comedy as a theme. Similarly, short story, novel, drama and pop culture, respectively, are also preferred. Contrary, comics is the second to the most preferred by males; while the least choice for the females.

However, there is no relationship between gender and literary themes. Preferences on themes vary such that adventure, horror/historical, mystery/paranormal and drama for males. However, drama, adventure, historical, horror/paranormal and mystery for females.

Also, a difference in purposes for their literary preferences is evident. Female students intend to understand themes; while the males consider this as the least reason. Males seek for entertainment, widen creativity and imagination, relaxation, widen perspective in life, and vocabulary enrichment. Conversely, females desire for entertainment, vocabulary enrichment, widen creativity and imagination, relaxation, and gain a wider perspective in life.

Likewise, factors such as interest, friend’s influence, availability of literary reading materials, teachers and parents' influence were also gleaned. Males consider literary texts' popularity, economic status, and exposure; while exposure, popularity and economic status are vital for females.

DISCUSSIONS

The study proposes that Literature students must be involved in the selection of literary materials in lesson planning; value students' preferences for engaging and rewarding experiences in Literature class; and parents must also expose themselves to literary reading to impact their children on its significance.