The role of gender in the intergenerational transmission of family values between mothers, fathers and adolescents.

Referring to gender role models of socialization, the intergenerational transmission of values within families should generally be higher in same-gender compared to mixed dyads. However, empirical studies have not always supported this assumption. Recent research has suggested that different results might be expected depending on the specific value content. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of the parent-child gender constellation on value similarities in families with adolescents in Luxembourg, focusing on gender-related and general family values. A sample of N = 46 family triads, i.e. adolescents (n=22 boys, n=24 girls) between age 15 and 20 together with their mothers and fathers, were interviewed on values about hierarchical gender roles as well as obligations towards family members. Analyses showed that both daughters and sons were more similar to mothers compared to fathers in their respective value profiles. Analyzing the similarities between the adolescent and parent generation showed that daughters were more similar to the typical female and sons more similar to the typical male value profile. Regarding specific value contents, fathers’ and sons’ values about obligations towards family members were related to each other. Moreover, similarities in values about hierarchical gender roles were showed for both mother-daughter and mother-son dyads. This finding was further specified, given that sons agreed more than mothers with values about hierarchical gender roles, indicating thus a relative (not absolute) mother-son value transmission. Results are discussed from theoretical perspectives of gender role socialization as well as gender specific salience of value orientations.