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)

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…

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…

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)

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)