Examination of gender perception in the context of behavioral economics: The case of Trakya University

Behavioural economics assumes that individuals do not exhibit rational attitudes in their economic decisions, but may make decisions based on prejudices, environmental and emotional factors. One of the factors that affects behaviors and shapes decisions is the concept of gender. Gender refers to the roles and expectations that society attributes to individuals. The aim of the study is to examine university students' gender perceptions in the context of behavioural economics and focuses on the impact of students' gender roles on their behaviour and how students' gender perceptions are shaped. The population of the study is the students studying at Trakya University. The sample of the study consists of 50 students from 5 different faculties. In the study, in-depth interviews, one of the qualitative research methods, were conducted, and the data obtained were analysed and visualised with Maxqda Pro 24 Qualitative Data Analysis Program. According to the findings, students defined gender equality as having equal rights and opportunities and stated that it is a necessary element in society. It was determined that the most inequality in gender-related roles is in occupations based on physical differences, and social roles remain valid. Regarding the relationship between gender perceptions and economic decisions, the view that there is gender-based economic inequality differs for male and female students. The decisions made by university students in line with social roles and norms are affected by the effect of cognitive biases in behavioural economics on economic decisions. The study provides a perspective to understand the impression created by the relationship between gender and behavioural economics among university students and gender perceptions that influence their economic decisions and reactions.