The problem-solving performance of preschool children was examined in three conditions in which good performance was indicated as being appropriate for boys, for girls, or for both. Boys performed significantly more poorly when the task was indicated as one that girls did better. The girls' performance was not affected by the conditions of the…

Compares attitudes of adolescents toward sex role stereotyping in 1956 and 1982. While there was no significant decrease, boys emphasized both sex role differentiation and symbols of male dominance and female subordination more than girls did. Girls were less dissatisfied with their gender in 1982 than in 1956. (Author/LHW)

Male and female second- and sixth-graders were interviewed concerning their desired and expected vocations. Findings suggest that although goals associated with the women's liberation movement are not demonstrated clearly in the vocational aspirations or expectations of young children, they may be reflected in the aspirations of adolescent…

Considers the relationship between sex role, identity, and self-esteem by testing a model within two societies (India and Australia) with markedly different levels of sex role salience at the cultural level. Results reveal this to be an important moderating variable. (Author/LHW)

Examines the motivational factors that contribute to course selection in a sample of students enrolled in an intensive three-week academic experience for gifted adolescents. Researchers evaluated the selections of 947 students and found that course participation fell along traditional gender-stereotyped lines. The complex motivations behind…

Examines the impact of gender differences on concern for the environment among college students. The study, which involved telephone interviews with 365 students and controlled for class standing and family incomes, determined that males were slightly more likely than females to express environmental concern. (GLR)

In an experiment designed to determine the role of body part attitudes in self-concept, females demonstrated greater knowledge of their inner body and attached greater importance to their body parts than did males. However, inner body parts attitudes predicted self-concept for males, but not for females. (Author/GC)

Surveyed 400 college faculty men and women to determine gender role preferences and perceptions. Perceptions of the ideal woman, ideal man, most women, most men, and self were measured. Results from the Sex Role Trait Inventory show that both men and women faculty preferences and perceptions were generally very similar. Implications are discussed.…

Assessed the validity of the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BRSI) in determining the cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity and whether these definitions differ among various cultural groups including blacks, whites, and Hispanics. The results are based on 3,000 multiethnic participants and reveal that the BRSI is a valid indicator of white…

Studies gender patterns in five- and six-year-old children's social interactions with one another and variables that may influence these patterns. Findings suggest that differences between boys and girls in the use of aggravated behavior in interaction style is strongly influenced by the nature of the activity being performed and by the gender of…

Examined young children's abilities to recall pairs of categorically related and unrelated items. Forty children participated in the Recall of Item Pairs Task. Results show that young children use gender role categories to organize and facilitate aspects of their recall. (GR)