Development of Social Skills: A Study Comparing Male and Female Students' Social Skills in Public Schools of Lahore

Abstract

The study explored the developed social skills between male and female students at the elementary level. A total of 550 Students were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling in the district of Lahore. Explored social skills included accepting criticism, showing respect, solving problems, accepting rights & responsibilities and tolerance of individual differences. A scale consisting of sixty-nine items was developed and standardized through factor analysis. The instrument was checked and ensured for reliability measures using Cronbach's Alpha (r = .75, p < .05). Five factors were identified through exploratory factor analysis using the principal component matrix measuring students' level of social skills at the elementary level. Results of the study showed statistically significant difference based on the gender of the student for the subscale "accepting criticism", revealing male students being more developed in social skill compared to their female counterparts, whereas female students were found more mature for the social skill requiring tolerance of individual differences as compared to male students. The study has implications for future researchers and school authorities.