Parental modeling is an important factor that can influence children's behaviors, beliefs, values, and attitudes. Gender nonconformity refers to behaviors or traits that do not align with society's expectations for individuals based on their assigned gender. Studies have shown that parental modeling of gender roles and stereotypes may contribute to a child's development of gender identity and perceptions of themselves as either masculine or feminine.
Research has yet to determine whether parental modeling affects self-perceived gender nonconformity. To explore this question, researchers conducted a study with parents who identified as heterosexual cisgender women and men raising children under the age of 10 years old. The sample consisted of participants from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds across North America. Parents were asked to complete questionnaires assessing their own gender identities, sexual orientations, and parenting styles, as well as how they perceive their child's gender identity and behavior.
The results revealed that parental modeling of gendered behavior was positively correlated with a child's reported levels of gender nonconformity. Specifically, mothers who displayed more traditional femininity in their parenting style tended to report higher levels of their daughter's gender conformity than those who displayed less feminine traits. Similarly, fathers who exhibited more masculine behaviors in their parenting style were associated with greater gender nonconformity among their sons. The findings suggest that parental modeling of gendered behavior may play an important role in shaping a child's perception of their own gender identity.
Additional factors such as peer pressure, media exposure, and genetics also likely influence a child's understanding of gender identity. Therefore, while parental modeling is a significant factor, it should not be seen as the sole determinant of a child's gender nonconformity. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between various environmental and biological factors that contribute to gender development.
Does parental modeling of gendered behavior affect self-perceived gender nonconformity?
Parental modeling is defined as the process where children observe and imitate their parents' behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, values, and practices (Bandura, 1986). Self-perceived gender nonconformity refers to the extent to which individuals diverge from traditional gender norms and expectations (Hughes et al. , 2017).