SEX-ROLE EXPECTATIONS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Abstract

Using a cross-sectional design, this study examines the sex-role expectations of seven and eleven year old primary school children in Singapore. Two aspects of the children's sex-role expectations were examined via means of a questionnaire: The children's occupational expectations, and their domestic aspirations. Results indicated that boys and girls generally did not differ in their occupational expectations, whereas differences were found between boys and girls in their domestic expectations, with girls expecting to do more domestic chores when they grew up. The expectations of the children parallel Bernard's (1972) "two-role ideology," in that while both boys and girls expect to work, only the girls expect to bear the domestic burden as well. It is suggested that the expectations of the children are a reflection of the present trends in Singapore society.