| Abstract: | This study argues for the incorporation of sex composition of offspring in the study of parental values and attitudes. Using a sample of mothers of pre-school aged children residing in two cities in Indiana, we examine the consequences of sex composition on two important parental views on socialization. We find that as the relative number of sons versus daughters increases, mothers believe "children always suffer when both parents work outside of the home" and "the most importnat thing for children to learn is to obey their parents." These findings suggest that generalized views on parenting are developed through maternal experiences in the family and, in turn, these experiences are shaped by the sex composition of progeny. |
