CHILDRENS PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTAL WORK

Two hundred and forty-nine 3rd and 4th grade children and both of their parents were asked about the nature of the parents' work, their attitudes toward it, and a variety of other work-related questions. The children knew in general what their parents did, where and when. They were also somewhat aware of their parents' satisfaction with their work. Mothers who were homemakers were perceived by their children to be less satisfied with their work than were mothers in the paid labour force. However, the children themselves were equally satisfied with the work of both groups. Children were dissatisfied with their parents' work only when their mothers worked evening or night shifts. The results are discussed in terms of the role played by parental work in the process of socialization of children regarding work.