Abstract
A technique based upon recently developed Boolean calculi for interpersonal phenomenology was used to study sex-role attributions within 59 heterosexual dyads. The interpersonal and intrapersonal variables studied include perceived similarity, validation of self-concept, expectations of agreement, feelings of being understood, predictions that the partner expects agreement, understanding, accurate perception of understanding/misunderstanding, and accurate perception of expectations on agreement/disagreement. All variables were studied in relation to each member of the dyad and in relation to male and female sex-role stereotypes. Analyses of all variables are consistent with two conclusions: (1) Phenomenal disparity in a relationship is more likely to be generated around male sex-role stereotypes than around female sex-role stereotypes; (2) phenomenal disparity in a relationship is most likely to occur in connection with counter-sex-role attributions to the female. Increased uncertainty regarding counter-sex-role attributions about women and lowered validation of self-concept for women who adopt counter-sex-role attributes are shown to contribute to these effects. These conclusions are seen as a reflection of an asymmetry which seems to be consistent in the literature: Counter-sex-role choices and attitudes seem to be less discordant for males than for females in this culture. Evidence of this asymmetry is discussed.
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The authors thank Erma Dosamantes-Alperson and Peter Maves for their thoughtful critiques of earlier drafts of this article. The final version has benefited from their comments. We also thank David Wilner for his diligence and devotion in verifying several calculations.
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Alperson, B.L., Friedman, W.J. Some aspects of the interpersonal phenomenology of heterosexual dyads with respect to sex-role stereotypes. Sex Roles 9, 453–474 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289786
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289786