How Entry into Parenthood Shapes Gender Role Attitudes: New Evidence from The UK

ABSTRACT People’s attitudes about how paid and unpaid work should be divided between the members of a couple determine gendered socioeconomic outcomes to a great extent. It is thus important to understand how gender role attitudes (GRA) are formed and evolve. This article concentrates on a path-breaking event in life: becoming a parent. Using longitudinal data from the United Kingdom, the study shows that, in general, becoming a parent significantly shifts women’s GRA toward more traditional positions but leaves men’s attitudes unaffected. Prenatal attitudes are a critical factor. After parenthood occurs, results find a substantial traditionalization of attitudes for (both) progressive parents, while no significant change is observed for parents with conservative prenatal attitudes. Novel analyses show that the traditionalization of attitudes for progressive individuals, after they become parents, is stronger as postnatal arrangements in the division of paid and unpaid work are more traditional. HIGHLIGHTS Gender role attitudes (GRA) become more conservative once one becomes a parent. Progressive prenatal GRA and traditional postnatal settings are key determinants. Cognitive dissonance and changes in gender identity are two potential mechanisms. Results suggest that traditional institutions can foster conservative GRA. More childcare services, paternity leaves, and part-time work for men are needed.