Date of Submission

2026

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Jessica Glass Kendorski Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA-D

First Advisor

Dr. Katy E. Tresco, PhD

Second Advisor

Meredith Weber, PhD, ABPP, NCSP

Third Advisor

Frank Edwards, PsyD

Abstract

Gender socialization begins early in childhood and plays a significant role in shaping children's beliefs, behaviors, and perceptions of themselves and others. Parents serve as primary agents of gender socialization and contribute to children's understanding of gender roles through attitudes, expectations, and reinforcement of gender-related behaviors. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine parental attitudes regarding traditional gender roles, modern sexism, and children's gender-related behaviors. Participants included 163 parents and legal guardians residing in the United States who had at least one child under the age of 18. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Child Gender Socialization Scale, the Traditional Gender Roles Survey,, and the Modern Sexism Scale through an online survey platform. Results indicated generally low endorsement of traditional gender role attitudes and modern sexist beliefs. Male participants reported statistically significantly higher scores on the Education for Marriage and Family, Helping at Home, and Disapproval of Other Gender Behavior subscales than female participants. No significant gender differences were observed for traditional gender role attitudes, modern sexism, education for careers, or attitudes toward gender-associated toys and activities. Findings suggest that although many contemporary parents endorse egalitarian attitudes overall, differences remain in specific areas of gender socialization, particularly those related to family roles and gender conformity. The study contributes to the growing literature examining parental influences on children's gender development and highlights the continuing complexity of gender socialization within contemporary families.

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