According to Dr. Beth Paul, professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, there is in fact a strong correlation between father-daughter relationships and the identities of women. In terms of societal expectations, she says, "fathers do a lot of gender training." Dr. Paul says that in traditional families, fathers support only "traditional female roles," whereas in non-traditional families, fathers are supportive regardless of how daughters choose to behave.

There is a strong correlation between father-daughter relationships and the identities of women.

The best way to illustrate these ideas is by looking at the lives of two women. Both are in their early twenties and away at college, but they are from dramatically different backgrounds. Interestingly, though, both possess a high level of self-confidence and both said that without a doubt, they were daddy's little girl.

Subject #1, "Rachael," is 23 and just months away from graduation. She has studied long and hard for a career in graphic design and is finally ready to begin her life doing what she truly loves. She is a strong, liberal woman who feels confident about her future and secure in her past. Furthermore, the relationship that she has had with her father has been strong and stable.

Rachael's father would probably be seen by many as being an "ideal daddy." He is a middle-school teacher who Rachael describes as highly intelligent, loving, hard working and family-oriented. Looking back at her childhood, she said that her dad was always encouraging, telling her that she could be whatever she wanted to be. Rachael says that his supportive attitude fostered her open-minded, outgoing personality. She says, "I've always known that even if I failed, he'd still support me."

She says that her dad showed his support by always going to school activities, cheerleading events and softball games. As she got older, he showed his support by respecting her judgment. When the time came for dating, he trusted her completely. His only concern was that men treated her well and with respect.

Rachael is in a committed relationship with a man who she plans to marry. She describes him as soft-spoken, sentimental, family-oriented, hard working, gentle and funny. She says that like her dad, he is not very romantic, but everything is shared between them. There are no assumed roles. "We're like a team," she says.