Children's perceptions of parental work.

249 3rd and 4th graders 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 labor force. However, the children 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. Results are discussed in terms of the role played by parental work in the process of socialization of children regarding work. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)