Parental Gender Conditioning in Child Development

One pivotal study examining hostility attributions in children and their parents was conducted by Nicole E. Werner in Washington State. Werner's quantitative study, published in 2012, measured hostility attributions in children and their parents. The findings indicated that children who attributed hostile intent to others, and whose parents displayed similar hostile attributions, were more likely to engage in relational aggression within peer groups (Werner, 2012). Notably, a correlation was found between mothers and daughters, suggesting that hostile behaviors might be a learned bias passed from parent to child.

Gender stereotypes often portray women as less hostile than men; however, this study challenges such stereotypes by showing that hostile behaviors can be taught and perpetuated. Despite the study's reliance on theories from the 1990s, it underscores the persistence of learned biases in child rearing.

Gender Stereotypes in Literature

Another significant study focused on gender stereotypes in children's books, conducted by Dr. Sharyl B. Peterson and Dr. Mary Alyce Lach. This qualitative research, published in 1990, analyzed the presence of gender stereotypes in children's picture books from 1967, 1977, and 1987. The study found that while books from 1967 predominantly featured male characters, later samples showed a more balanced representation. By 1987, female characters appeared as frequently as males and were more often depicted in active roles. Interestingly, books targeting younger children exhibited fewer gender stereotypes than those for older children. These findings suggest that literature can influence gender development in children, and the positive shift over time indicates a move towards reducing gender bias in children's media.

Parental Influence on Gender Roles

The influence of parental involvement on adolescents' resilience and gender roles was examined in a study by Baoshan Zhang, Fengqing Zhao, Chengting Ju, and Yingying Ma, published in 2014. This quantitative study involved 748 students aged 11 to 16 and highlighted the connection between paternal involvement and the reinforcement of masculine gender roles. The study found that positive father involvement directly influenced children's male gender-role identity and indirectly affected adolescents' perceptions of male stereotypes (Zhang, Zhao, Ju, & Ma, 2014). This research underscores the ongoing presence of gender role stereotyping in child rearing, with fathers playing a pivotal role in shaping children's understanding of traditional gender roles.

Parental Aspirations and Gender

A study by Brittany M. Wittenberg and colleagues, published in 2017, explored gender differences in parental aspirations for their children's futures. This quantitative study of 126 expectant couples revealed that while parents universally wished for their children's well-being, personal fulfillment, and achievement, gender stereotypes influenced certain aspirations. Mothers were more likely to emphasize well-being and personal fulfillment, while fathers prioritized achievement and independence (Wittenberg, Beverung, Ansari, Jacobvitz, & Hazen, 2017). This study highlights how preconceived notions of gender roles can shape parental expectations, even before a child is born. However, the research also suggests that these stereotypes are becoming less pronounced over time.

Language and Gender Identity

The role of language in shaping gender roles and identities was addressed in an article by Dr. Tasha E. Bluiett, published in 2018. Bluiett argues that children begin to form gender-based identities from an early age, making choices about toys, clothing, and activities based on societal expectations (Bluiett, 2018). She illustrates how children learn these behaviors from parents, media, and peers, often reinforcing stereotypes through play. An example provided is of young girls excluding a male peer from a pretend wedding game, demonstrating the early internalization of gender roles. This article emphasizes the need for broader societal change to eliminate gender role stereotypes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while gender roles, stereotypes, and biases remain a part of child rearing, there is a discernible shift towards more gender-neutral approaches. This shift, though gradual, offers promising implications for future generations. By reducing gender norms, children can pursue their interests and identities without societal constraints. As research continues to evolve and societal attitudes shift, the trend toward more inclusive child rearing practices is likely to gain momentum. It is crucial to support this positive change to enable children to explore their full potential without the limitations of traditional gender roles.

References

Bluiett, T. (2018). The language of play and gender-role stereotypes. Education, 139(1), 38-42.

Peterson, S. B., & Lach, M. A. (1990). Gender stereotypes in children's books: Their prevalence and influence on cognitive and affective development. Gender and Education, 2(2), 185-197.

Stereotype. (2018). Retrieved November 15, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stereotype

Werner, N. E. (2012). Do hostile attribution biases in children and parents predict relationally aggressive behavior? The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 173(3), 221-245.

Wittenberg, B. M., Beverung, L., Ansari, A., Jacobvitz, D., & Hazen, N. (2017). Gender differences in parents’ prenatal wishes for their children’s future: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(7), 1865-1874.

Zhang, B., Zhao, F., Ju, C., & Ma, Y. (2014). Paternal involvement as a protective resource of adolescents' resilience: Roles of male gender-role stereotype and gender. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(7), 1955-1965.

Did you like this example?

258

14