Abstract

The current research investigated the transmission of gender stereotypes within the family, taking into account the relation between implicit gender stereotypes of both parents (measured with an IAT) and implicit and explicit stereotypes of their children. Sixty-six children (aged between 45 and 104 months) and at least one parent took part in the study. Results indicated a strong relation between the implicit gender stereotypes of the fathers and the implicit stereotypes of their sons as well as the explicit stereotypes of sons and daughters. Conversely, mothers' implicit stereotypes were not related to their children's responses. Overall, the current results are consistent with the hypothesis that parents may have a differential role in the transmission of social stereotypes to their children. More specifically, fathers seem to be more influential, as compared to mothers, in the transmission of gender stereotypes within the family.