Abstract
Contradictory hypotheses are tested to determine if access to power or sex-role socialization is the crucial factor in determining sex differences. Experimental procedures established a status hierarchy consisting of a superordinate and two subordinates. Males and females in 64 groups were compared in similar subordinate positions. A 2×2 factorial design manipulated two independent variables: subordinate alternatives (equal vs. unequal) and sex of a subordinate advisor. Power affected a distribution of resources and participation in negotiations; sex affected supportive behavior, assessments of influence, and conflict-avoidance motivation. Neither interpersonal power relations nor sex-role socialization adequately explains the sex differences that occurred. The necessity for considering social stratification in research and theory regarding sex differences is discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bales, R. F. Interaction process analysis; A method for the study of small groups. Cambridge: Addison-Wesley, 1950.
Emerson, R. M. Power-dependence relations. American Sociological Review, 1962, 27, 31–41.
Gamson, W. A. Experimental studies of coalition formation. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology, Vol. 1. New York: Academic Press, 1964.
Kanter, R. M. Men and women of the corporation. New York: Basic Books, 1977.
Lawler, E. J. An experimental study of factors affecting the mobilization of revolutionary coalitions. Sociometry, 1975, 38, 163–179. (a)
Lawler, E. J. The impact of status differences on coalitional agreements. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 1975, 19, 271–285. (b)
Lawler, E. J., Youngs, G. A., & Lesh, M. D. Cooptation and coalition mobilization. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 1978, 8, 199–214.
Meeker, B. J., & Weitzell-O'Neill, P. A. Sex roles and interpersonal behavior in task-oriented groups. American Sociological Review, 1977, 42, 91–105.
Michener, H. A., & Lawler, E. J. Revolutionary coalition strength and collective failure as determinants of status reallocation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 1971, 7, 488–460.
Thibaut, J. W., & Kelley, H. H. The social psychology of groups. New York: Wiley, 1959.
Thomas, D. L., Franks, D. D., & Calonico, J. M. Role-taking and power in social psychology. American Sociological Review, 1972, 37, 605–614.
Thompson, M. E. Power and sex in coalitional negotiations and decision-making (Doctoral dissertation, University of Iowa, 1977). Dissertation Abstracts International, 1978, 38, 4386-A.
Vinacke, W. E. Sex roles in a three person game. Sociometry, 1959, 22, 343–360.
Vinacke, W. E. Variables in experimental games: Toward a field theory. Psychological Bulletin, 1969, 71, 293–318.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This paper is based on the author's doctoral dissertation submitted to the Department of Sociology, The University of Iowa. The research was funded by a National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Grant (SOC 76-09292) and the Center for Research on Interpersonal Behavior, Department of Sociology, The University of Iowa. The author wishes to thank Michael Lesh for assistance in data collection, Cyndra Norman and John Cordell for coding the discussion data, Jan Wood for secretarial services, and Joan Allman for typing services. The author also thanks Edward J. Lawler, chair of the PhD committee, Carol A. Whitehurst, and other committee members (Carl J. Couch, Stephen G. Wieting, Mark Krain, and Harriet Shaklee) for helpful comments. Blanche G. Hersh, Edward J. Lawler, Carol A. Whitehurst, and an anonymous Sex Roles reviewer also made helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Thompson, M.E. Sex differences: Differential access to power or sex-role socialization?. Sex Roles 7, 413–424 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288069
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288069