Gender Differences in Reward Allocation Among Boys and Girls who Receive Allowance

Gender differences emerge at a very young age in children. Through socialization boys and girls are encouraged to adopt gender stereotypes. Among adults, salary is an area where there are consistent gender differences, with females typically asking for and receiving less than males. The present study examined differences in reward allocation (i.e., pay) among 91 boys and girls who receive an allowance or “pocket money” in grades one through four, to try to determine whether the differences noted among adults appear with first early pay experiences. Children were asked to complete a series of five tasks regarding gender stereotypes, occupations, chores and money and were tested using both a male and female experimenter. In addition children’s parents were asked to complete questiosn regarding the issue of allowance in their house. The results of this study were analyzed to investigate any gender differences and were compared to findings in both adult and preschool populations. Results indicated that while children may be becoming more progressive in their thinking and not holding as strict gener stereotypes as in the past, gender stereotypes were still found, as well as effects from the gender of the experimenter