Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might raise their first child against gender norms.
Meghan Markle is due in a few weeks, and Vanity Fair reports that the royal couple are thinking about their parenting options for the royal baby. And one source to Vanity Fair said that Meghan Markle is thinking about gender stereotypes.
According to the source, who’s allegedly a friend of the Duchess of Sussex, Markle is considering raising her baby-to-be “with a fluid approach.”
“Meghan has been talking to some of her friends about the birth and how she and Harry plan to raise their baby. Her exact word was fluid,” the source told Vanity Fair. “She said they plan to raise their child with a fluid approach to gender and they won’t be imposing any stereotypes.”
There is some debate one what definition of “fluid approach” is being used here. On one hand, it could mean that the former actress wants to raise their child as gender fluid and let them decide their gender later on in life. Or, it could be that she wants to prevent instilling gender norms in the raising of her child.
The latter seems to have some backing as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already prepared to raise the child outside of typical gender norms. The royal couple have planned for a gender-neutral nursery and chosen a white and gray color scheme over any blues or pinks.
This seems to be a rearing approach that's gaining traction with celebrity parents as Kate Hudson, Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, and more have expressed interest in the idea. And they're not the only ones.
A September 2017 survey from marketing firm Havas asked 12,000 people from 32 different countries about parenting practices. The results found that 61% of women and 46% of men believe children should be brought up without gender norms or stereotypes like teaching boys to be aggressive and girls to be subservient.
In terms of the royal couple and the royal baby, no official comment has been made on the issue. In addition, a Kensington Palace spokesman refused to comment.
h/t: Vanity Fair
