The Theoretical Overview of Gender Role Development in Children of Working and Non-Working Mothers
Keywords:
Gender role development, working mothers, non-working mothers, social learning theory, gender schema, parenting style, child socialization, role modeling, maternal influence, cultural norms.Abstract
Gender role development is a foundational aspect of a child’s socialization process, shaping their attitudes, behaviors, and identity in accordance with societal norms and expectations. This research paper presents a theoretical exploration of how maternal employment status-whether a mother is working or non-working-affects the development of gender roles in children. Drawing on established theories such as Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, Bem’s Gender Schema Theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the paper analyzes the ways in which children internalize gendered behaviors through observation, reinforcement, and cultural context.
The paper examines how working mothers often serve as role models of non-traditional gender roles, promoting egalitarian views and greater acceptance of diverse gender identities and responsibilities. In contrast, non-working mothers may reinforce traditional caregiving roles and domestic responsibilities, shaping more conventional gender schemas in their children. However, the paper argues that the impact is not merely binary; the transmission of gender roles is mediated by parenting style, family communication patterns, cultural background, and socio-economic conditions.
This theoretical overview highlights the dynamic interaction between maternal behavior, family structure, and external influences such as media, peers, and educational institutions in shaping gender role attitudes. It also discusses how gender role flexibility or rigidity can influence children's career aspirations, interpersonal relationships, and self-perception. The paper emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting, inclusive educational practices, and supportive social environments to foster healthy gender role development. The paper suggests that both working and non-working mothers contribute to gender role formation in unique ways, and it is the context, quality of interaction, and value systems within the family that determine long-term developmental outcomes.
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