Personal Interest Project

Section 1:

1. What is your topic and research questions?

• The topic of discussion for the Personal Interest Project (PIP) is based on the attitudes toward transgender people from the perspectives of Chinese parents and Chinese teens. The focus question to be investigated is, “How attitudes toward transgender people differ from Chinese parents compared to Chinese teens”. Additionally, the PIP will be examining on Generation X compared to Generation Z as a cross-cultural component.

1. Describe how this topic links to some of your personal interests and the Society and Culture course

• The chosen topic of discussion is closely linked to the Society and Culture course as the growing population of transgender people is a contemporary issue within society. The specific areas being investigated in this PIP are continuity and change, values,

1. Summarise your secondary research so far, and how it has developed your understanding of this topic

• During term 4, I began various researches on transgender people in the form of articles, documentaries, interviews, news and online videos. I have collected a lot of valuable and valid data, which will be contributed towards the central material of the PIP.

1. What is your cross-cultural perspective?

• The cross-cultural component of my PIP is generational, as I believe this is most relevant to the study of this topic in regards to providing the most in-depth understanding of how attitudes towards transgender people has changed throughout different societal eras and to what extent it has been accepted in societies and cultures today. The generations that I will be examining for this PIP are Generation X (1960-1980) and Generation Z (1990-2000). These two generations were specifically chosen as it correlates to current social trends and there are distinguishing differences between the two.

1. What is your continuity and change component?

• There are strong aspects of continuity and change in regards to attitudes towards transgender people explored between generations. Continuity is expressed through generations as the continuation of the negative attitude towards transgender people will remain constant in Gen X. This is because the concept of transgender people is completely new to people born in Generation X and was considered as a ‘mental illness’ amongst Chinese culture. Thus, the negative attitude towards transgender people has shown to be a continual contemporary issue within Chinese parents from Gen X. However, the attitudes towards transgender people has been modified in macro levels, such as same-sex marriage and transgender rights implemented by the government. There has also been modification in meso level as openly transgender people became more visible in the community and in school. Thus, Chinese teens from Gen Z are more exposed to transgender people in both macro and meso levels, which allows for a more positive attitude towards transgender people.

Section 2:

1. What research methods will you be using, and how do they relate to your topic? Refer to at least three research methods in your answer

• Interview (Primary Research Methodology): An individual from Generation Z (1990-2000) and Generation X (1960-1980). The use of an interview as a primary research methodology will allow a more personal and in depth input into the primary data. This will allow for an insight into an individual’s perspective on transgender people from different age group and generation to assist in the cross-cultural component.

• Questionnaire (Primary Research Methodology): Individuals of Generation Z (1990-2000) and Generation X (1960-1980). The use of a questionnaire is a very valuable source of information in providing statistics of both generations in achieving the views of a wide number of individuals in the community. It allows for both qualitative and quantitative results collated from different age group, gender and cultural group.

• Focus Group (Primary Research Methodology): Peer group consisting of five Chinese teens from Generation Z (1990-2000) compared to the peer group consisting of five Chinese parents from Generation X (1960-1980). Using a focus group as a primary research methodology is important in gaining a deeper understanding of the attitudes towards transgender people and gaining an insight into personal experiences. As well as being able to gain sociocultural knowledge through in depth, first hand responses.

1. How are you going to facilitate your research methods in an ethical manner?

• Ethical considerations in research are critical as it promotes trust that the information collected will be used responsibly and treated with respect. The main ethics of research to be considered:

1. Participants are informed about the procedure and possible risk involved in the research, and must give their consent to participate
2. Participants are not asked to talk about sensitive topics that may put them in an uncomfortable and awkward situation
3. Researcher is open and honest about the topic and scope of the project and the information expected from them
4. Protection of participants’ rights to confidentiality and anonymity
5. Minimising the risk of harm, such as personal danger or social embarrassment
6. Researcher is mindful of the special needs of any vulnerable groups

1. Construct a timeline and research plan for the year. On this timeline, indicate when you will complete your primary research methods and all the written components