Study Shows Men Discount the Distress Cries of Female Babies

by ParentCo. May 02, 2016

crying baby

A new study from the University of Sussex shows that we start stereotyping babies based on gender as young as three months old. We assume that babies with higher-pitched cries are female, and that the higher-pitched the cry relative to gender, the more discomfort the baby is in. The study recorded real babies in a situation almost guaranteed to make them wail—bath time. The recordings were were made at home, over a period of four months. After some processing, the sounds were played back to participants in randomized, double-blind tests. The listeners were found to assess the babies’ sex based on the pitch of their cries, and to attribute stress levels dependent on pitch. Men assumed male babies were more stressed than females when both were crying at the same pitch—a result the author believes indicates gender stereotyping is more ingrained in men.
Source: When Female Babies Cry, Men Discount Their Distress | Co.Exist | ideas + impact



ParentCo.

Author



Also in Conversations

baby approaching mens black sunglasses
Why "Work Life Balance" Is Too Simplistic for Modern Dads

by ParentCo.

There's been a lot of change for dads in a short period of time. Today they work as many hours as previous generations, but do three times the childcare and twice the housework as dads a generation ago. In this interview, Scott Behson, PhD, author of "The Working Dad's Survival Guide" talks about how working dads can create a more balanced life of family, work, and self, and how employers can help make it happen.

Continue Reading

baby playing
How to Get Things Done While Taking Care of Your Baby

by Charlie Fletcher

With a few practical tips and strategies in place, you can stay on top of your other responsibilities so you don’t feel overwhelmed by too many changes at once.

Continue Reading

mothers with childern
How to Make Friends as a New Parent

by Charlie Fletcher

Being a new parent can feel lonely. Here are some ways to get out there and make new friends - and nurture your existing relationships (even while exhausted).

Continue Reading