Exploring parents’ perceptions of intelligence across gender: a systematic review.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the parents’ perception of intelligence. It is important for socialisation of future citizens. Parents’ perception of intelligence changes through the cause of time. The study aims to describe parents' perceptions of intelligence and how parents perceive intelligence today as compared to previous studies. This was a systematic review, that gathered and analyzed existing information from secondary sources. The study employed the social constructionism theoretical framework, in the interpretivist paradigm. The study focuses on discourse analysis and used the inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine the most relevant literature to review. The study sample was one book and ten journal articles were reviewed. The review was guided by a critical discourse analysis guide. The study finds that on average, females seem to be stronger than males in verbal fluency, writing, and perceptual speed, especially when they turn two years old. However, males tend to be stronger in visual-spatial processing, science, and mathematical problem- solving starting at the age of three. In addition, differences in intelligence are partially caused by factors such as family background, socioeconomic status, school quality, and parental educational background. Even though females seem to be stronger than men in verbal fluency, writing, and perceptual speed. The study concludes that there are no significant differences in intelligence across genders. Therefore, the study recommends that prospective researchers continue with this study through empirical research in a South African context to gain an in- depth insight into how parents perceive intelligence across gender.