Professor Dr. Joyce Endendijk

Biography

Joyce Endendijk is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University specializing in Child and Adolescent Studies. Her research focuses on the processes of gender socialization and gender development in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of gender-neutral socialization to counteract the restrictive influence of gender stereotypes. She investigates how parents' gender-neutral parenting practices can foster equal development in children and has explored the effectiveness of educational programs that feature counter-stereotypical female heroines to challenge gendered cognitions and behaviors. Additionally, her work delves into men's roles in caregiving and the societal implications of their underrepresentation in communal roles across various sectors. Endendijk’s research also addresses the dual standards in sexual behavior influenced by masculinity norms and examines how these societal pressures can impact the well-being and gender identity of children and adolescents. She employs interdisciplinary approaches combining social psychology, sociology, developmental psychology, child family studies, computer science, neuroendocrinology, and neuroscience to tackle the complex issue of gender inequality.

Research Interests