Parenting Survey: A Comparison of Single Mothers, Single Fathers, Dual-Worker Couples, and Traditional Couples, 1983

The question addressed in this study was the degree to which gender-specific behavior is a result of socialization versus current role demands and situational opportunities. Researchers were interested in whether or not men develop traditionally female parenting styles appropriate to situational exigencies. Fifty-five single fathers whose youngest child was under 14 and living at home were surveyed, as well as comparison groups of 55 single mothers, 55 traditional couples in which the husband was the bread winner and the wife was not employed outside the home, and 55 dual paycheck couples. In order to standardize the responses, the questionnaire asked respondents about the relationship with their youngest child. Data were collected by means of an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on the parent's personal priorities, sex-role identification, personality traits, assessment of the parent-child relationship, and items regarding domestic responsibilities and child care. The Murray Research Archive holds numeric file data for the single and married parents surveyed. Data are available for all 110 single parents, all 110 married couples, and an additional 19 single mothers and 93 single fathers who did not meet selection criteria.