Abstract
Forty same-sex and cross-sex school-aged sibling pairs were observed in their homes during self-selected activities. The sex role learning index (SERLI) and a sex-typing room analysis were administered for the younger siblings, and maternal questionnaire information was obtained. Sibling gender constellation was associated with reliable differences in activity choices during the unstructured observations. Male dyads interacted less than other sibling groups, while older sisters in female dyads engaged in the most teaching. Older female siblings, regardless of the gender of the younger sibling, assumed the manager role frequently. Dyads containing an older girl also exhibited the greatest role asymmetrics. Affective differences related to gender constellation were also noted. Younger girls with older brothers and younger boys with older sisters evidenced the least gender stereotyping.
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This project was supported in part by HD-06016 awarded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to Emory University and Georgia State University, and Grant BNS 84-15505 from the National Science Foundation.
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Stoneman, Z., Brody, G.H. & MacKinnon, C.E. Same-sex and cross-sex siblings: Activity choices, roles, behavior, and gender stereotypes. Sex Roles 15, 495–511 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288227
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288227