Home Use and Evaluation by Suburban Youth

Gender Differences

Abstract

Suburban children and adolescents of both genders (ages 8-18, N = 59), were interviewed about their use of places inside the house and outside on household property. Participants also photographed all places which were important to them. Bedrooms were particularly salient in the participants' daily lives and evaluations. Females evaluated their homes more positively. In addition, boys and girls differed to some extent in terms of which places were important and how places in the home were used for personal activities and social interactions. These different patterns of home use were related to gender differences in attachment.