Intersectional Identities of Men and Their Influence on Children's Gender Socialization in Family Settings: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Gender socialization is a lifelong process that guides children in shaping their identities, opportunities, and perspectives during early years. Within the family environment, men hold a pivotal position, influenced by tradition, economic factors, and family structure, which significantly impacts the socialization of children. This systematic review examines the intersecting social identities and systems of power that shape men's roles in the gendering of children. Five major electronic databases—Scopus, ProQuest, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science—and the first 10 pages of Google Scholar were searched to identify potential studies relevant to the review. The search was conducted from June to July 2025. Seventeen studies published from 2000 to 2025 were included. Study data were extracted and sorted according to the potential influences of men's intersectionality on children's gender socialization. The review identified intersecting social identities, including ethnicity, socioeconomic status, place of residence, family structure, language, and religion, as determinants of men's socialization practices that influence children's psychological adjustment, behavioral development, and conception of gender. While the review showed recent shifts over the past decade from conventional domineering roles to more emotionally responsive parenting, this shift remained alongside the more traditionally accepted form of authority expected of men. The review revealed a limited understanding of how men's roles varied and were shaped by intersecting identities, emphasizing the need for further research to develop culturally responsive frameworks for gender socialization.