The Combined Effects of Parental Child-Rearing Practices, Teacher Reactions, and Playmate/Peer Reactions on Gender Role Socialization
1. Introduction:
In her article “Home, School and Playroom”, Claire Etaugh examines the combined effects of parental child-rearing practices, teacher and playmate/peer reactions on gender role socialization. She looks at how these factors interact with each other to produce different outcomes in boys and girls.
Etaugh’s study is based on previous research which has shown that there are significant differences in the way boys and girls are socialized by their parents, teachers and peers. For example, girls are more likely to be encouraged to play with dolls and participate in domestic chores, while boys are more likely to be encouraged to play with trucks and participate in outdoor activities. These findings suggest that children’s interests are shaped by adults’ expectations and that these expectations vary according to gender.
Etaugh’s study looks at the effects of different types of parental child-rearing practices on gender role socialization. She looks at two types of practices: toy preferences and children’s interactions with parents. She also looks at the effects of teachers’ reactions and playmates/peers’ reactions on gender role socialization.
2. The effects of parental child-rearing practices on gender role socialization:
2. 1 The effects of toy preferences on gender role socialization:
Etaugh’s study found that parental toy preferences have a significant impact on children’s interests. Boys who were exposed to more masculine toys (e.g., trucks) were more likely to express interest in these toys than boys who were not exposed to them. Similarly, girls who were exposed to more feminine toys (e.g., dolls) were more likely to express interest in these toys than girls who were not exposed to them.
These findings suggest that parents can influence their children’s interests by exposing them to certain types of toys. However, it is important to note that not all children will respond in the same way to their parents’ toy preferences. Some children may be more resistant to their parents’ influence than others.
2.2 The effects of children’s interactions with parents on gender role socialization:
Etaugh’s study also found that children’s interactions with their parents have a significant impact on gender role socialization. Girls who interacted more with their mothers during early childhood were more likely to express interest in traditionally feminine activities (e.g., playing with dolls) than girls who did not interact with their mothers as much during early childhood. Similarly, boys who interacted more with their fathers during early childhood were more likely to express interest in traditionally masculine activities (e.g., playing with trucks) than boys who did not interact with their fathers as much during early childhood.
These findings suggest that children’s relationships with their parents can influence their interests and tastes. However, it is important to note that not all children will respond in the same way to their parents’ influence. Some children may be more resistant to their parents’ influence than others.
3. The effects of teachers’ reactions on gender role socialization:
3.1 The effects of pre-study teachers’ reactions on gender role socialization:
Etaugh’s study found that pre-study teachers’ reactions have a significant impact on children’s interests. Girls who were exposed to more feminine activities (e.g., playing with dolls) in their pre-study classrooms were more likely to express interest in these activities than girls who were not exposed to them. Similarly, boys who were exposed to more masculine activities (e.g., playing with trucks) in their pre-study classrooms were more likely to express interest in these activities than boys who were not exposed to them.
These findings suggest that teachers can influence their students’ interests by exposing them to certain types of activities. However, it is important to note that not all children will respond in the same way to their teachers’ influence. Some children may be more resistant to their teachers’ influence than others.
3. 2 The effects of post-study teachers’ reactions on gender role socialization:
Etaugh’s study also found that post-study teachers’ reactions have a significant impact on children’s interests. Girls who were exposed to more feminine activities (e.g., playing with dolls) in their post-study classrooms were more likely to express interest in these activities than girls who were not exposed to them. Similarly, boys who were exposed to more masculine activities (e.g., playing with trucks) in their post-study classrooms were more likely to express interest in these activities than boys who were not exposed to them.
These findings suggest that teachers can influence their students’ interests by exposing them to certain types of activities. However, it is important to note that not all children will respond in the same way to their teachers’ influence. Some children may be more resistant to their teachers’ influence than others.
4. The effects of playmates/peers’ reactions on gender role socialization:
4.1 The effects of pre-study playmates/peers’ reactions on gender role socialization:
Etaugh’s study found that pre-study playmates/peers’ reactions have a significant impact on children’s interests. Girls who were exposed to more feminine activities (e.g., playing with dolls) in their pre-study playgroups were more likely to express interest in these activities than girls who were not exposed to them. Similarly, boys who were exposed to more masculine activities (e.g., playing with trucks) in their pre-study playgroups were more likely to express interest in these activities than boys who were not exposed to them.
These findings suggest that playmates/peers can influence their friends’ interests by exposing them to certain types of activities. However, it is important to note that not all children will respond in the same way to their playmates/peers’ influence. Some children may be more resistant to their playmates/peers’ influence than others.
4.2 The effects of post-study playmates/peers’ reactions on gender role socialization:
Etaugh’s study also found that post-study playmates/peers’ reactions have a significant impact on children’s interests. Girls who were exposed to more feminine activities (e.g., playing with dolls) in their post-study playgroups were more likely to express interest in these activities than girls who were not exposed to them. Similarly, boys who were exposed to more masculine activities (e.g., playing with trucks) in their post-study playgroups were more likely to express interest in these activities than boys who were not exposed to them.
These findings suggest that playmates/peers can influence their friends’ interests by exposing them to certain types of activities. However, it is important to note that not all children will respond in the same way to their playmates/peers’ influence. Some children may be more resistant to their playmates/peers’ influence than others.
5. Conclusion:
Etaugh’s study provides valuable insights into the combined effects of parental child-rearing practices, teacher and playmate/peer reactions on gender role socialization. Her findings suggest that these factors interact with each other to produce different outcomes in boys and girls.
Etaugh’s findings have implications for parents, teachers and policy-makers. Parents can use her findings to inform their parenting practices. Teachers can use her findings to inform their teaching practices. Policy-makers can use her findings to inform public policy on gender issues.