New study suggests moms may be more gender biased than dads

KITCHENER, ON (570 NEWS) – Proving again the influence of parents on their kids, a study out of the University of Guelph suggests both moms and dads are pushing gender stereotypes, and most don’t even know it.

According to lead author Kristel Thomassin, a psychology professor at the school, the stereotype that boys shouldn’t cry is being perpetuated by moms more than dads.

The study says mothers may be more gender-biased than fathers when it comes to encouraging or discouraging their children’s expressions of sadness and anger. It also reveals mothers may not even be aware they have these biases.

Thomassin says she thought both moms and dads would be more accepting of daughters showing sadness than sons, and more accepting of sons showing anger.

Instead, the study shows only mothers had those attitudes while fathers showed no preference at all.