Gender Equality and Our Children

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We always knew that the real life examples we provide are what really teach our kids.  Sometimes, our examples are what they want to emulate.  Sometimes, it’s the opposite of what they hope to see.  Now, it turns out that fathers sharing household duties are critical factors in the raising of daughters.

Alyssa Croft, who may well have just earned her PhD from this research, along with her committee (Drs. Schmader, Block, and Baron, all of the University of British Columbia) published the results of her multi-year study of 326 children (154 girls), ranging in age from 7 to 13,  as well as 204 mothers and 140 fathers.  (The article, ‘The Second Shift Reflected in the Second Generation: Do Parents’ Gender Roles at Home Predict Children’s Aspirations?’, appears in Psychological Science.)

Via the answering questionnaires, the division of labor for household chores was determined.  In addition, the attitudes of both the children and the adults toward this division of labor was examined- and the career aspirations of the boys and girls was also assessed.

When there was an equal division of household chores in the home, the girls were more likely to opt for occupations that have not been traditionally feminine- things like marine biologists, police officers, astronauts, even hockey or soccer players.  But, fathers who claimed to be pro-gender equality, yet failed to perform their fair share of chores, engendered daughters who opted for more feminine careers (nurses, fashion designers, librarians, etc.).

Croft et al believe by believing in gender equality- and proving it by their actions- the daughters are taught that they can opt for more involved careers, and not worrying that their future husbands will not help with tasks at home.

It should be noted that, at least for this study, the moms effected almost 70% of the housework and child-care. But, that doesn’t tell the whole story- only 15% of the households shared the home-related work.  And, 2/3 of the dads and 15% of the moms demonstrated chasms between their stated beliefs and the examples they provided at home to their children.

By the way, the boys opted for traditional male careers (engineer, CEO, physician) regardless of the division of labor or their parents’ stated beliefs.

Maybe that’s why I have a daughter who is an academic executive (and whose husband shares the child and home efforts).   (My son and stepson have wonderful positions, as well.)

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8 thoughts on “Gender Equality and Our Children”

  1. Daughters are such blessings. No matter whether they have jobs classified non traditional or traditional they will go to whatever draws them. I would be just as proud of mine whether she was a stay at home mom or an IT specialist. We need to remember that all people have value.
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  2. I have always shared the load in the house, from doing the washing and ironing of cloths, to cooking, making beds etc. I have one daughter that is a US Marine and another that is a stay at home housewife.I must say that the stay at home daughter, makes her own soap, sews for craft sales, does a lot of canning of fruits and vegetables, has her own organic garden all over the property and is involved with a church bible study all while raising a 4 year old and a husband….not sure where she would fit in the study.
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    1. Neither do I, Chef William…
      But, the study examined intentions, not execution of those intentions….
      After all, many people study field ABC in college, but then decide their love for QRS is more important- and take that on as their life’s vocation…
      I think that is the true answer- how we view what we plan to do- and having the freedom to make that decision unencumbered by what others may do around us…

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