Written By Sophie Okolo
A study by Psychology of Women Quarterly suggests that a growing number of Millennials believe that wives should care for the household while husbands make decisions for the family. On the contrary, the study also shows generation Y is more accepting of working mothers. This comes at a time when they have increasingly liberal attitudes with regard to social and cultural issues. While this is fascinating, it goes to show that not all Millennials are alike.
Read More: Millennials Are More Accepting Of Working Mothers, But Some Want Women To Stay At Home
In 2012, 35 percent of adults thought preschool children would suffer from having a working mother, which is a decrease from the 42 percent who had that belief in 1998; and the 68 percent in 1977.
On the flip-side, researchers also found that 32 percent of 12th graders in the 2010s agreed that it is best for men to work and women to stay home, up from 27 percent in 1995 to 1996; this proves that Millennials are not averse to traditional gender roles as some would assume.
“Contrary to some popular assumptions, the most stable family relationships happen in an atmosphere of equality, not a traditional role of a male breadwinner and stay-at-home wife and mother,” according to Erik Sherman, writer at Fortune Magazine.
While research has so far proved inconclusive, gender roles remain a controversial topic among Millennials. The American Sociological Association published new research suggesting that Millennial men and women, although fewer women, are much more likely to cheat when they are economically-dependent on a spouse.
Read More: Will Millennials Be Trapped By Traditional Gender Roles?
Bridging the gender gap may seem like the obvious resolution, but there are core beliefs that Millennials hold true, either from upbringing or experience. This concludes the fact that Millennials can hold onto their beliefs whether or not they coincide with the current society trend.
What’s your opinion about traditional gender roles? Do they have a place in today’s American society?
Sophie Okolo, MPH 
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