Understanding parental impact on children's gender socialisation

Abstract

This research article examines the key role that parents play in the socialisation of children with regard to gender. It studies the reproduction of stereotypical attitudes, behaviours and injunctions during what sociologists refer to as “primary socialisation”. From a sociological and developmental perspective, this article presents gendered parenting practices, whether implicit or explicit, such as: identification and modelling through the traditional division of labour, the transmission of gendered norms, gender-based encouragement, the choice of toys, clothes, etc. This gendered education has potential consequences for girls’ and boys’ identities that must be carefully considered