A Study on the Influence of Family Environment on Adolescents' Gender Identity

Abstract

Young people in today's gender phenomenon demonstrate a tendency for diversity, as gender is becoming seen to be more complex than a binary system of male or female today. At the same time, especially in China, more and more adolescents are facing a gender identity crisis, which may lead to life struggles and mental health problems. Speaking of influential factors, family environment plays a crucial role in adolescents' gender development. Therefore, the article is founded on existing studies and makes an analysis of the influential factors in terms of subjective family environment on adolescents' gender identity. According to the analysis, parental gender stereotypes, parenting styles, and the role of fathers are three main factors affecting adolescents' gender identity. Based on the results, three suggestions, including bisexual education, sufficient understanding and support and a healthy family relationship, are given as follows. Parents should take some active actions to promote their children's gender awareness.