Gender Differences in Children's Nurturant Interactions with their Infant Siblings

The research focused on the exploration of gender differences in interaction with infant siblings in the home and the materna] socialization of baby care in girls as opposad to boys. Observations were made of 20 families, each with 2 parents, an infant under the age of 12 months, and an older child between the ages of 46 and 102 months. Five families were selected from each of the four possible sibling pairings (e.g., older sister-younger brother, etc.). The mother, older child, and infant of each family were observed four times at approximately monthly intervals, although only data from the Last three observations were reported. The behavior observed in the children was divided into three categories: direct prosocial interactions, indirect prosocial behaviors, and antisocial interactions. Doll play or pretend play was also observed. The maternal behaviors observed were divided into direct maternal socialization of baby care or nurturant behaviors, mothers talking to the child about the baby, and gender relevant statements. The results indicated that girls demonstrated more nurturant interaction with and interest in their baby siblings than did boys. However, the observations indicated that mothers were rarely directly socializing baby care in their children, and there was no indi,mtion that daughters were socialized more than sons. The study includes a list of 38 references. (RJC) * Reproductions suppli.ed by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. *