Parenting types and relationships within the family have never been identical across anyone's upbringing. So many factors, whether it be financial, cultural or circumstantial, are certain to interfere with the ways in which parental and child relationships develop. Though, socialisation into gendered stereotypes seems to be universal and difficult to avoid.
Children who fit the idealised ‘Mama’s Boy’ or ‘Daddy’s girl’ are desirable to the age-old structure of the nuclear family. Seemingly influenced by traditional and outdated values, a loyal, devoted son and loving, thankful daughter would be the dream of countless parental units. Whilst, of course, these are positive traits to have displayed within the family, these expectations lend a hand in promoting gender stereotypes to younger generations.
These expectations lend a hand in promoting gender stereotypes to younger generations.
Recent discourse on social media suggests that most youths share similar ideas on how these tropes can present themselves. Whilst the ‘Mama’s Boy’ may be consistent and loyal to his mother, are we not then teaching sons dependency on female figures or entitlement to maternal treatment? Likewise, will ‘Daddy’s girls’ grow up with the view that a male is necessary for protection and fulfilment?
Even as far as individual identity, it can be hard to escape the stereotypes taught in parental and child relationships. As a daughter growing into adulthood, are your parents still complaining that you don't wear skirts anymore? As a son, are you playing enough sports? Prior to university, it's likely that mundane things like fashion and hobbies, to some extent, were influenced by our caregivers, even if not intentionally.
Now, as young adults and students, it could be a good place to reflect on our identity outside of the stereotypes we grew up on. Maybe your parents were right all along, but there's no better time than now to express your individuality in your unique way.
