Abstract
The current study examines the role of mother gender socialization in the formation of daughter feminist identity, feelings about self, and future aspirations. Guided by Gender Schema Theory (Martin & Ruble, Citation2004) and Identity Theory (Stryker & Burke, Citation2000), findings indicate that encouragement of stereotypically feminine activities related to increased well-being and aspirations; discouragement of masculine-oriented behaviors, however, was particularly disadvantageous for daughter development. Feminist identification served as a mediator between gender socialization (encouragement of education for marriage and family and discouragement of other-gender characteristics) and daughter present and future selves. Together, findings indicate the importance of encouraging daughters to incorporate both the feminine and masculine “domains” as a valued part of their daily activities.
The authors would like to thank the Organization for Research on Women and Communication for their support of this research.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Colleen Warner Colaner
Colleen Warner Colaner (Ph.D., University of Nebraska, 2011) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Missouri.
Christine E. Rittenour
Christine E. Rittenour (Ph.D., University of Nebraska, 2009) is an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University.