Studies on the differences in socialization experiences of boys and girls are reviewed. The effects of increasingly common maternal employment on this process are considered. (SJL)

Maternal employment is a part of modern family life, a response to changes such as smaller families and more efficient household management. Not only does maternal employment meet parents' needs, but it is a pattern better suited for socializing the child for the adult role s/he will occupy. (Author/GC)

This paper presents a review of the research concerning the effects of maternal employment on the child. Findings are organized around five theories: (1) the working mother provides a different role model than the non-working mother; (2) employment affects the mother's emotional state (sometimes providing satisfactions, sometimes harassment, and…