Gender Differences in Parent-Child Relations

Abstract

This article uses longitudinal data from the National Survey of Children to examine parent-child relationships in middle childhood and early adolescence. It analyzes parental nurturance, closeness, discipline, and authoritativeness by gender of parent and child. Logistic and OLS regression models of supportive parenting are also presented. Fathers are much more involved with sons and tend to concentrate on more instrumental facets of support, whereas mothers tend to be more supportive across genders in the traditional, affective sense. Results also suggest that children's, mother's, and couple/spouse's characteristics are robust predictors of supportive parenting. Fathers' traits are related only to relations with daughters. This article specifies further theoretical and substantive implications such as the relative influence of formal versus informal marital power and the distinction between child rearing and housework in examining the household division of labor. It also suggests areas for future research, including the implications of parent-child relations for marital and sibling relations.