Investigation of the gender stereotypes of children from "Extended" Single-Parent families in Turkey

Abstract

The breakdown of relationships between parents because of divorce, separation or spousal death can affect children's gender roles, as it requires restructuring roles in the family. In Turkey, single-parent families function like extended families unlike the most West societies. Therefore, we aim to examine the gender stereotypes of children living in extended single-parent families in Turkey. We obtained the data through activities held with nine children aged 54-78 months living in "extended" single-parent families, without any intervention in their behavior on the part of the researchers. Findings revealed that living with a mother may affect children's gender stereotypes regarding the division of household labor and occupations. Besides, social role models such as uncles and grandmothers at home may affect children's gender stereotypes regarding the division of household labor. However, these effects are limited. Most of the children in single-parent families headed by either a mother or a father have strong gender stereotypes. Children's gender stereotypes and the related literature are discussed in the context of family structures in Turkey. Suggestions for future research are also discussed.