Examination of gender roles of parents of 36-72 month-old children: The case of Ardahan

Gender is a topic that has been discussed for many years, expressed in terms of societal expectations, behavioral patterns, and division of roles for women and men. Individuals are exposed to gender inequality from very early stages of their lives. In this period, which has the most conducive critique for learning the behaviors and values that form the foundation of human life, the examination of the concept of gender is of great importance. The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of parents of children aged 36-72 months regarding gender roles in Ardahan province. The gender attitudes of parents, the ways these attitudes are transmitted to children, the division of roles within the family, and the perceptions of masculinity and femininity are being examined. The sample of the research consists of 18 married couples living in Ardahan with children aged 36-72 months, totaling 36 participants. The data for the research were collected using in-depth interview techniques, which are qualitative data collection methods. The responses obtained from the interviews were analyzed descriptively. According to the findings, it has been concluded that the parents observed in Ardahan largely maintain traditional gender roles. The arrangement they establish in household chores, the clothes and activities they choose for their children, indicate that traditional gender norms are being followed. It has been determined that girls are generally raised as "feminene" and boys as "masculine" with parents guiding them through choices such as clothing and activities. It has been observed that this process, which parents continue to transmit either knowingly or unknowingly, plays an important role in the development of children's gender identities. According to the results obtained, the characteristics attributed to girls are delicate, polite, graceful, in need of protection, and aimed at being well-mannered. The characteristics attributed to boys, on the other hand, are brave, fierce, courageous, free, and protective.