A Study of Influence of Gender differences of the Children of Working & Non-Working Mothers in Perception of Parental Behaviour

Abstract

An attempt has been made to investigate the influence of gender differences of the children of the working and non-working mothers in perception of parental behaviour. The sample consisted of 180 boys and girls studying in the institutions of Dehradun District, Uttarakand. The perception of parental behaviour(mother's behaviour) was assesses with the help of PCRQ developed by Dr. R.A. Sing (1981). The data were analysed by Mean, S.D. and 't' ratio. The results indicate that parental behaviour (mother's behaviour) changes with respect to gender. It was found that influence of gender difference of the children of working and non-working mothers different. However, significant difference was observed in non-working mothers behaviour on dominating, rejecting and disciplining variables for boys and girls. It was also found that girls perceived their working and non-working mothers more loving than boys. I. Introduction The most characteristic feature of all close relationship is interdependence , an interpersonal association in which two people consistently and reciprocally influence one anothers lives and focus their thoughts and emotions on one another. And all these close interdependent relationship begin in the family. Family is one of the basic social institutions plays a pivotal role in shaping the personality structure of an individual. A person is socialized in the family. Therefore, naturally plays a significant role in determining the behaviour pattern which child will exhibit. Researches show that home and child rearing practices influence the personality development of the child (Hurlock, 1959 ; Mccord et al. 1992 ; Schaefer, 1969 and Desousa, 1970). Child rearing practices are influenced by culture of the community and hence these vary from culture to culture. An individual is obviously both a biological and social fact . Biological predispositions interact with the impact of social experiences which in turn shape the psychological make up of the person. The amount of interaction between parent and young child does not consistently depend upon the gender of the child. The kind of family in which children are grown up and its effect on their development can be determined by the kind of relationship child has with his mother Because a women plays an important role in family. The role of female in the society has been remarkably changed after the technical and cultural changes in the society. Two earner families are now very much prevalent due to increase in the number of employed mother (Hayghe, 1982) .It is the result of employment of both husband and wife that family roles of men and women are also changing (Pleck, 1985). It is therefore reasonable to expect that home environment in dual and single earner families will differ. Working women feel satisfied by doing work but face special challenges as she try to balance work and family responsibilities. Non-working mothers stay at home for most of the time and interfere with the life of their children. This might be cause of family conflict. Owing to competitiveness in academics children need the presence and help of their parents. Maternal employment can have both kinda of effects, positive or negative on the family environment. In view of the above, the present study has been undertaken to find out the influence of gender differences of the children of working and non- working women in perception of parental behaviour. Parental behaviour changes to according to conditions of working and non- working situations of mother. According to the official documents released to mark the SAARC that discriminative practices are adopted for female gender in India. Culture of the community and attitude towards gender influences parental behaviour and there by the development of the child. Moreover, how children of working and non-working women perceive their parental behaviour is more important, accurate and trustworthy than parents perceive about with their children. Justification of study Present study has more behavioural importance. The study will be useful to develop the personality pattern of of the individual. Leosa and Brophy (1972) reported that girls perceived their mothers to more affectionate and more accepting. Two earner families are now very much prevalent due to increase in the