Abstract:

During the rapid transition of the demographic structure into an older society, norms on gender and risk behaviors have also shifted among Chinese youths. The present study aims to explore the relationship between changing gender norms and the different motives for using tobacco products among Chinese youths. Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 2112 participants aged between 18 to 25 years old completed a self-administered survey that included measures of gender norms, motives for tobacco use, and smoking behaviors. Results indicated that changing gender norms were behind different modes of tobacco use among Chinese youths. Furthermore, the study found that males were more likely to smoke to enhance social status and to cope with stress. These findings suggest that gender norms play a crucial role in shaping the motives for tobacco use among Chinese youths, and highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific factors in tobacco control efforts. Overall, the study provides important insights into the complex interplay between gender norms and tobacco use among Chinese youths, and offers implications for developing effective tobacco control policies and interventions tailored to the needs of different genders.

Speaker's Biography:

Xiaozhao Yousef Yang is an Associate Professor at Sun Yat-sen University. Before this post he has conducted funded research and taught at Purdue University and Murray State University. He investigates the contextual origins of at-risk health behaviors and the class-labor gradients in population health. He has published over 50 articles in journals such as Social Science & Medicine, Social Science Research, Journal of Health and Social Behaviors, Sociological Quarterly. His research has been awarded and recognized by organizations including the American Sociological Association, Society for the Study of Social Problems, USCIS, the Government of Zhejiang Province, etc.