Fathers' participation in family work and children's sex-role attitudes

Child Dev. 1986 Oct;57(5):1210-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.1986.tb00449.x.

Abstract

The relation between fathers' participation in family work (child care and home chores) and children's sex-role attitudes was examined in an interview study of 160 Caucasian middle-class families. Children were stratified by age level (5-year-olds and 10-year-olds), sex, and maternal employment status. 5 types of paternal participation were assessed--for example, total interaction time, performance of traditionally feminine home chores--using joint estimates by fathers and mothers. Children's attitudes were measured by questionnaire; their occupational aspirations were also assessed. Data are provided on the extent of fathers' participation for each of the 5 types assessed. The direct effects of paternal participation per se on children's attitudes were weak. Among fourth graders, mother's attitude toward the male role was the strongest predictor of stereotyping; children with nontraditional mothers were significantly less stereotyped.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude*
  • Child
  • Child Care
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Humans
  • Identification, Psychological*
  • Male
  • Parents / psychology
  • Paternal Behavior*
  • Psychology, Child
  • Stereotyping
  • Work