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Similarities and differences among three generations of women in attitudes toward the female role in contemporary society

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Abstract

A three-generational sample of 103 college women, 88 of their mothers, and 30 of their maternal grandmothers responded to questionnaires containing the Spence and Helmreich Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS). Intrafamily matched pair analysis tested hypotheses of intergenerational similarities and differences; and several potential correlates of attitudes toward female roles in contemporary society were investigated. Major intergenerational differences prevailed, with younger generations being more profeminist. The extent of difference varied by issue. Participation in the labor force was correlated with liberal views, but the degree of liberality seemed best interpreted in terms of enlightened self-interest.

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Slevin, K.F., Wingrove, C.R. Similarities and differences among three generations of women in attitudes toward the female role in contemporary society. Sex Roles 9, 609–624 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00290068

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