Intersecting identities: How race and age influence perceptions of mothers

Abstract

ObjectivePrior research has suggested adolescent mothers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are perceived (or stereotyped) negatively compared to adult mothers and Anglo‐Australians respectively. The present study examined contemporary attitudes and stereotypes of Australian mothers with intersecting identities of age and race. We were particularly interested in the impact of race on the stereotypes of adolescent versus adult mothers.MethodParticipants (n = 323) completed an online survey comprising free response questions and validated scales assessing their stereotypes, cognitive evaluations, feelings, and overall favourability towards one of the four target mothers: Anglo‐Australian adult, Anglo‐Australian adolescent, Indigenous‐Australian adult, and Indigenous‐Australian adolescent. We predicted attitudes towards adult mothers would be more positive compared to adolescent mothers, and Anglo‐Australian mothers more positive compared to Indigenous‐Australian mothers. Further, we predicted stereotypes would reflect historical inequalities and changing societal values related to childrearing.ResultsAnglo‐Australian adult mothers were perceived most positively, while adolescent mothers were perceived least positively, irrespective of race. Stereotypes of Indigenous‐Australian adult mothers shared commonalities with Anglo‐Australian adult mothers, but also reflected the disadvantaged position of Indigenous people in Australia, by positioning them as financially dependent. Stereotypes of adolescent mothers were consistently negative, with conservative views of sexuality positioning then as lacking agency and control, while also blaming them for their disadvantaged situation.ConclusionsThe negative community stereotypes of adolescent mothers are consistent with adolescent mothers' perceptions.