Gender Ideologies in Europe: A Multidimensional Framework

Abstract

The authors argue, in line with recent research, that operationalizing gender ideology as a unidimensional construct ranging from traditional to egalitarian is problematic and propose an alternative framework that takes the multidimensionality of gender ideologies into account. Using latent class analysis, they operationalize their gender ideology framework based on data from the 2008 European Values Study, of which eight European countries reflecting the spectrum of current work–family policies were selected. The authors examine the form in which gender ideologies cluster in the various countries. Five ideology profiles were identified: egalitarian, egalitarian essentialism, intensive parenting, moderate traditional, and traditional. The five ideology profiles were found in all countries, but with pronounced variation in size. Ideologies mixing gender essentialist and egalitarian views appear to have replaced traditional ideologies, even in countries offering some institutional support for gendered separate spheres.

Paternity Leave and Fathers' Responsibility: Evidence From a Natural Experiment in Canada

“…As shown by the mismatch between the DD and DDD models, fathers' child-care time (engagement) and their solo engaged time (another operationalization of responsibility) increased regardless of whether they were eligible for the reserved leave policy. Drawing from conceptual insights of policy feedback theory (Campbell, 2012;Gangl & Ziefle, 2015;Grunow et al, 2018), these changes may be evidence of norm shifts around fathering behavior that are fostered by the policy (Patnaik, 2019). The paternity leave policy could serve as a cultural and normative reference point for gendered parenting behaviors, regardless of families' direct exposure to the policy.…”

“…Drawing from policy feedback theory, public policies can change public attitudes, cultural ideals, and practices by influencing citizens' understanding of their rights and responsibilities in society (Campbell, 2012;Gangl & Ziefle, 2015). Previous research identifies two mechanisms through which this process operates for work-family policies (Gangl & Ziefle, 2015;Grunow, Begall, & Buchler, 2018). First, policies may engender behavioral change through role exposure, where mothers and fathers change their individual roles and practices, leading to change in broader social norms.…”

Who is really ‘left behind’? Half a century of gender differences in the school-to-work transitions of low-educated youth

“…At the same time, in a context of increasing female participation, the normative pressure to work hard to be successful in the labor market might prompt struggle and frustration, especially for young women at the beginning of their careers (Walkerdine, Lucey, and June 2001). This should be especially applicable in countries with familistic welfare states and widespread traditional gender ideologies (Grunow, Begall, and Buchler 2018) and in places where young people's needs are overlooked by social policy (Antonucci, Hamilton, and Roberts 2014).…”

Limited detraditionalization of intimacy: Growing socioeconomic differences in contraceptive use at first intercourse in Italy

“…Theoretical explanations of family change that proclaimed increasingly reflexive (Giddens 1992) or individualized (Beck and Beck-Gernsheim 2001) behavior arguably fell short of accounting for the persistence in traditional expectations toward heterosexual intimacies. Marriage, monogamy, and strong gender roles have persisted (Grunow, Begall, and Buchler 2018;England 2010;Gross 2005;Hochschild and Machung 2012) despite apparent detraditionalizing family demographic behavior. This suggests both that the detraditionalization process might not be completed, but also that it may not accurately be described as a uniform trend.…”