Introduction:
The tapestry of cultural evolution is reshaping historical gender norms within contemporary families. Economic forces, personal choices, and societal standards intertwine, rendering gender roles more intricate and adaptable than before. Modern families are challenging conventional norms, opting for flexible approaches to shared responsibilities and decision-making. A shift away from traditional extended structures is evident, driven by the challenges faced by the younger generation in adhering to older norms and amplified by urbanization, prompting a move towards independent family units. Gender roles within families vary, categorized into male and female and further nuanced in discussions involving adults versus children or single versus marital statuses. Each role holds unique significance, crucial for societal harmony. Research methodologies, including quantitative surveys and mixed-method surveys, along with case studies comparing different gender roles, have been employed to understand these dynamics. Each methodology carries its own advantages and disadvantages, with efficacy and validity contingent on specific contexts. Despite their merits, no single method may offer the most comprehensive findings. This exploration aims to assess the strengths and limitations of these methodologies in understanding the evolving landscape of gender roles within families.
Analysis:
In the exploration of the intricate dynamics surrounding the impact of gender diversity on environmental performance, Cordeiro et al. (2019) provide a crucial lens through their comprehensive investigation. Delving into family-owned companies and dual-class ownership structures, the study sheds light on the nuanced interplay that shapes organizational governance and sustainability initiatives. In this context, existing literature emphasizes the pivotal role of gender-diverse boards, enriching governance frameworks and environmental practices with a spectrum of experiences and decision-making approaches. The study particularly highlights the unique character of this relationship within family-owned firms, proposing that shared values among family members amplify the influence of gender diversity on environmental performance. Further complicating this interplay are variations in governance dynamics and priorities between traditional and dual-class ownership structures. Transitioning to practical implications, this analysis critically evaluates potential contributions to corporate governance practices, sustainability initiatives, and policy interventions. Beyond theoretical discourse, the study not only suggests strategic pathways for promoting gender diversity on boards but also underscores the necessity of tailored approaches. This recognition is rooted in a nuanced understanding of the specific characteristics and dynamics inherent in family-owned and dual-class companies (Cordeiro et al., 2019). In summary, the study offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between gender diversity, organizational governance, and environmental performance, providing both theoretical understanding and practical implications for corporate practices.
Examining the intricate interplay between children’s perceptions of future careers and the influence of cultural standards and gender beliefs, Endendijk & Portengen (2022) offer a comprehensive analysis that sheds light on the formation of career aspirations among youth. The study delves into children’s gender schemas, examining their notions of appropriate gender roles. Boys are often drawn to traditionally masculine careers like engineering or sports, while girls express interest in traditionally feminine roles such as teaching or nursing. Additionally, the authors explore the impact of parental roles in work and family life on children’s career decisions and family commitment levels. Children from households where parents share household and childcare responsibilities equally may develop more egalitarian views on gender roles and career aspirations. Through quantitative analysis, the study elucidates the associations between children’s gender schemas, parental roles, and their perspectives on future careers and family involvement. From these findings, the article derives actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and parents to promote gender-fair attitudes and behaviors among children, including initiatives like promoting positive role models and fostering open discussions about gender and career choices (Endendijk & Portengen, 2022). In summary, cultural standards and parental roles shape children’s perceptions and provide practical insights for fostering gender equality in career aspirations among the younger generation.
Exploring the intricate dynamics of how parents, as primary socializing agents, transmit gender role stereotypes to their children, researchers conducted a study focusing on communication patterns within Bulgarian families. The research by Manolov et al.(2023)analyzed language, tone, and content to discern how everyday interactions contribute to the reinforcement of gender stereotypes. Notably, parents’ stereotypical comments about gender roles can significantly shape their children’s perceptions. This investigation encompasses traditional gender norms ingrained in Bulgarian culture, along with the influence of media representations and the educational system in perpetuating gender stereotypes. Manolov et al. (2023) specifically examine mechanisms through which gender attitudes persist across generations in Bulgarian families, including parental socialization practices, sibling relationships, extended family effects, and cultural norms influencing the correlation between children’s gender identity and societal expectations. in essence, the diverse aspects, including communication patterns, traditional norms, media influence, and educational systems, offer a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that perpetuate gender attitudes across generations in families.
In examining the role of technology in fostering cyber aggression among teenagers, Wright (2017) investigates the expanding influence of social media, messaging apps, and online forums. The proliferation of these digital platforms has provided adolescents with avenues to express their aggressive tendencies through cyberbullying or trolling. The anonymity and perceived ‘distance’ facilitated by digital platforms may contribute to heightened aggression, surpassing levels observed in face-to-face interactions. For instance, adolescents might engage in impulsive or reckless online behaviors to seek approval from their peers. The challenges of fitting in or gaining acceptance within digital communities sometimes lead to the adoption of aggressive behaviors, serving to assert dominance and enhance social status. Research suggests that gender differences play a role in cyberbullying styles, with boys leaning towards overt forms like direct threats or insults, while girls may resort to relational aggression and social exclusion. The process of gendered socialization and societal expectations regarding appropriate online behavior significantly influences teenagers’ approaches to conflict. While this research contributes debatable insights into the escalating trend of online aggression in the younger generation, it is essential to note the absence of comprehensive ethical considerations in the study (Wright, 2017). in short, gender, socialization, and societal expectations shape teenagers’ approaches to conflict in the online realm.
The influence of family structures on the labor market performance of married immigrants becomes evident as we examine distinct patterns in employment. Particularly, the prevalence of part-time work among married female immigrants with children and the contrasting employment tendencies observed between male and female immigrants stand out (Huh, 2018). Additionally, married immigrant males exhibit a higher tendency to pursue full-time employment compared to females. Another noteworthy finding is that immigrant women with more children tend to be engaged in part-time jobs compared to those who are married and childless. The study concludes that family typology significantly influences the labor market performance of married immigrants. Another study conducted by Tahir et al. (2021) investigates changes in gender role behaviors among South Asian men residing in different gender regimes, specifically Pakistan and Germany. The research compares self-reported changes in husbands’ masculine and feminine role behaviors with the perceptions of their wives during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The findings indicate a significant decline in traditional masculine behaviors among men in both countries due to limited mobility during the lockdown. However, there is no subsequent increase observed in their feminine role behaviors. Although the temporary suspension of breadwinning roles during the lockdown led men to share increased domestic and caregiving tasks within families, no significant change occurred in their behaviors.
Survey-based research methodologies offer valuable insights into gender dynamics within family structures, yet their limitations, as exemplified by Manolov et al.’s study, underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved. Survey-type studies enable researchers to gather information from many research subjects and investigate relationships between variables which may include gender differences in children’s schemas, their parents’ roles and future career as well as family related aspirations. Survey-based research is an important method of data collection in various circumstances; however, it also has a number of limitations such as respondents might give false or biased replies due to the social desirability bias. In the research done by Manolov et al (2023), the method used is a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods that include Surveys, Interviews, as well Observations. On the other hand, Surveys normally offer fixed and predefined answer options thereby limiting participants to articulate their subtle or sophisticated ideas.
Conclusion:
To wrap it up, the intricate evolution of gender norms within the context of culture and society, emphasises the influential role of family structures. The exploration of the intersectionality of gender with other social identities and the impact of technology on individuals reveals the intricate nature of these relationships. The overarching theme highlights the multifaceted interplay between gender dynamics, family structures, and labor market performance. To foster progress, it is imperative to address structural inequalities, challenge ingrained gender stereotypes, and promote digital literacy. By implementing inclusive policies and interventions, societies can propel themselves towards greater gender equality, social justice, and economic prosperity, transcending the constraints of gender or family background. This holistic approach is vital for cultivating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
References
Cordeiro, J.J., Profumo, G. and Tutore, I.T. (2019) Board gender diversity and corporate environmental performance: The …, WILY. Available at: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Board-gender-diversity-and-corporate-environmental-Cordeiro-Profumo/1f7371cdbe652bbb7fe5ca606c93fc65263d909b (Accessed: 28 January 2024).
CM; E.J. (2022) Children’s views about their future career and family involvement: Associations with Children’s gender schemas and parents’ involvement in work and family roles, Frontiers in psychology. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35126242/ (Accessed: 29 January 2024).
Endendijk, J. J., & Portengen, C. M. (2022). Children’s views about their future career and family involvement: Associations with children’s gender schemas and parents’ involvement in work and family roles. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 789764.
Manolov, M.N., Ivanov, I.K. and Chavdarova, V.A. (2023) Gender-role stereotypes in the Bulgarian family: Cross-generational transmission of gender attitudes, MDPI. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/13/7/152 (Accessed: 29 January 2024).
Wright, M.F. (2017) The role of technologies, behaviors, gender, and gender stereotype traits in adolescents’ cyber aggression, Journal of interpersonal violence. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29294782/ (Accessed: 29 January 2024).
Huh, Y. (2018) Women, gender and labour migration: Historical and global perspectives. Available at: https://cws.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cws/article/download/6603/5791 (Accessed: 28 January 2024).
Tahir, M.W., Störmer, M. and Zafar, M. (2021) Changing gender role behaviors of South Asian men in different gender regimes: A comparative study of COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan and Germany. Available at: https://www.semanticscholar.org/author/Muhammad-Wajid-Tahir/39533811 (Accessed: 28 January 2024).
write