- A longitudinal study of 7,700 couples reveals that parenthood shifts gender ideology, often reinforcing traditional roles in mothers.
- Economic power influences shifts—women with higher-earning husbands adopt more traditional roles, while earning equality fosters egalitarian beliefs.
- Men tend to become more egalitarian, but their shift depends on their wife’s stance and financial contributions.
- Spousal influence is strong—partners with traditional ideologies are more likely to reinforce conventional gender roles.
- Policies like paid parental leave and affordable childcare can help counteract a regression into traditional gender roles for new parents.
Gender ideology—our beliefs about the roles men and women should have in society—often shifts during major life transitions. Parenthood, in particular, prompts many couples to reassess their views on family roles and work-life balance. A new study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family explores how parenthood influences gender beliefs in heterosexual couples. The findings highlight a complex interaction between personal ideology, economic power, and a partner’s beliefs.
Understanding Gender Ideology: Traditional vs. Egalitarian Views
Gender ideology refers to the deeply ingrained beliefs individuals hold regarding the roles men and women should play in society, particularly in family and work contexts. These beliefs typically fall into two categories
- Traditional gender ideology, which views men as the primary breadwinners and women as caregivers, reinforcing a domestic-public divide.
- Egalitarian gender ideology, which supports equal sharing of domestic and financial responsibilities between men and women.
Historically, traditional gender expectations dominated family structures, with men working outside the home while women took on caregiving roles. However, societal shifts—including increased female workforce participation and changing legal policies—have challenged these norms in recent decades.
Despite progress, the transition to parenthood remains a pivotal moment where these ideologies are tested. Even couples who previously embraced equality may unconsciously revert to traditional roles due to logistical, financial, or societal pressures.
How Parenthood Reshapes Gender Views
Regardless of pre-existing beliefs, becoming a parent creates a seismic shift in daily responsibilities, emotional labor, and financial planning. Several factors contribute to changes in gender ideology during this life stage
Increased Care Responsibilities
The arrival of a child introduces new caregiving demands, typically requiring one parent to take on more hands-on duties. Women, due to social expectations and existing parental leave structures, often assume primary childcare roles. This extended engagement with caregiving reinforces the notion that mothers are natural caregivers, sometimes leading to more traditional beliefs.
Workplace Pressures and Career Adjustments
Many parents confront workplace policies that favor a male-dominated career approach—such as limited parental leave for fathers or flexible work primarily intended for mothers. These professional constraints push many couples toward more gendered divisions of labor, often without conscious intent.
Psychological and Social Expectations
Society often conditions men and women to behave in ways that align with traditional roles. Women encounter societal pressure to embrace full-time caregiving, while men may be encouraged to prioritize financial support. These subtle influences can lead to shifts in gender ideology over time, even among parents who previously supported gender equality.
Key Findings: How Parenthood Affects Mothers and Fathers Differently
The study, which tracked 7,700 heterosexual couples from 1991 to 2020, revealed distinct patterns in how gender ideology evolves after parenthood. The key findings include
Women Tend to Adopt More Traditional Beliefs
Despite decades of progress in gender equality, women often become more traditional in their beliefs after becoming mothers. This shift largely stems from the disproportionate burden of childcare, as well as social reinforcement that prioritizes maternal involvement. Even when women intend to return to work, structural barriers—including expensive childcare and inflexible work arrangements—frequently push them toward more domestic roles.
Men Generally Shift Toward More Egalitarian Views
In contrast, fathers in the study displayed a slight increase in egalitarian beliefs. Men who actively participated in childcare developed a deeper understanding of the challenges mothers face, which may contribute to their changing attitudes toward gender roles. However, this shift was not universal—men with traditionally minded wives were less likely to express egalitarian views, highlighting the importance of spousal influence.
Spousal Influence Shapes Gender Ideology
One of the most significant findings was that a partner’s beliefs strongly influence changes in gender ideology. When a husband holds strong traditional gender beliefs, his wife is more likely to move toward a traditional mindset as well. Conversely, men partnered with egalitarian wives are more likely to embrace modern gender roles, demonstrating how relationship dynamics actively shape personal ideology.
The Role of Economic Power in Gender Beliefs
Financial contributions within the household significantly influence how gender ideology evolves after parenthood
- Higher-earning husbands reinforce traditional gender roles. When men contribute a larger portion of the household income, women are more likely to take on more domestic responsibilities.
- Equal or lower-earning husbands promote egalitarianism. When couples have more balanced financial contributions, men tend to engage more in household duties, fostering equal partnerships.
These findings suggest that financial independence plays a key role in preventing a regression into traditional gender norms. Women who remain financially independent or who earn a similar income to their partners are more likely to retain egalitarian perspectives post-parenthood.
Partner Influence: How Spousal Beliefs Shape Gender Ideology
A person’s gender ideology does not evolve in isolation—spouses play a crucial role in shaping each other’s beliefs. The study highlights the following patterns
- Traditional men encourage their wives to embrace conventional roles. Husbands with strong traditional beliefs create environments where their wives feel pressured (or expected) to conform to traditional caregiving roles.
- Progressive women foster egalitarian shifts in their husbands. When women advocate for gender equality in household and work-life balance, their partners often adopt more modern views.
This dynamic underscores how partner influence can reinforce or challenge pre-existing gender norms.
Why These Findings Matter in a Changing Society
As societies increasingly push for gender equality, it is crucial to understand how the transition to parenthood impacts these efforts. Structural factors—such as access to affordable childcare, fair workplace policies, and parental leave—can either reinforce traditional norms or support parents in maintaining egalitarian relationships.
Efforts to promote gender equality must extend beyond personal beliefs and acknowledge the economic and policy-based obstacles that make traditional gender roles more convenient.
Can Gender Ideology After Parenthood Be Changed?
Although many couples experience a shift toward traditional beliefs post-parenthood, certain systemic changes can help mitigate this regression
- Workplace policies that provide equal parental leave for both mothers and fathers, ensuring childcare responsibilities are shared from the start.
- Affordable and accessible childcare that allows both parents to remain in the workforce without extreme financial burden.
- Education and community programs that reinforce the benefits of shared parenting responsibilities.
By addressing these structural challenges, societies can help couples sustain gender-equitable relationships after parenthood.
Limitations of the Study and Areas for Future Research
While this study provides essential insights, there are areas that still require further exploration
- The study focuses exclusively on the United Kingdom. Cultural differences, workforce policies, and economic landscapes might yield different results in other countries.
- Measuring gender ideology primarily through work and family roles. Future research should examine other dynamics, such as emotional labor and decision-making power.
- Exclusion of LGBTQ+ parenting experiences. A broader study inclusive of same-sex couples could offer additional insights into gender ideology shifts beyond traditional gender binaries.
Rethinking Gender Roles in Parenthood
Parenthood has a profound effect on gender ideology, often amplifying traditional roles—especially for women. However, financial independence, spousal influence, and supportive societal structures can mitigate this shift. Encouraging workplace equality, progressive family policies, and cultural shifts that normalize shared caregiving responsibilities will serve as key components in promoting gender fairness post-parenthood.
By addressing these challenges, modern families can move beyond rigid gender norms—ensuring that parenthood does not limit gender equality but rather fosters a more balanced, inclusive future.
Citations
Zheng, Y., Wang, S., & Zhou, M. (2024). A longitudinal dyadic analysis of gender ideology during the transition into parenthood. Journal of Marriage and Family. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.13086
