De Beleving van Ouders met Betrekking tot de Genderontwikkeling van Kinderen

Abstract

This study examined the parental experience on the gender development of their children on a sample of 10 parents with children of primary school age. Methods: Parental experience has been tested through qualitative research. Interviews were conducted on the basis of case studies. Results: Parental experience is largely influenced by social norms and values and the immediate environment of parents. It has been found that when a boy has a strong preference for activities and actions that are considered suitable for girls, parents label this as deviant. When it comes to a girl with a strong preference for boy-like activities, half of the respondents indicate this as deviant behavior. Parents give a critical look at their own assumptions regarding gender development. Conclusion and discussion: The expectation that parents are influenced by social norms and values can be confirmed. The expectation that parents are affected by their immediate environment and their own upbringing can also be confirmed. In addition, there is a discrepancy in the extent to which parents see themselves as accepting of deviant gender behavior and how they would actually deal with this type of behavior. This contrasts with the expected expectations and existing literature research.