A clarification of the effect of gender and sex-role on the close relationships of adults
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of gender and sex-role on adult close relationships in a small mid-western town. The relationships of spouse/lover, closest opposite-sex friend and closest same-sex friend were the focus of the research. The importance of talking, activity, listening and touching for each relationship type was also examined. A questionnaire, a sex-role inventory and a time log were used to examine the gender and sex-role similarities and differences in these relationships. Fifty-three adult men and sixty-five adult women (mean age of 46.5) were asked to report on their definition of close relationships, the number of their close relationships, the experience and expression of their close relationships and the level of closeness in their relationships. Two-way ANOVAs were performed for gender, sex-role and relationship type as independent variables and talking, activity, listening and touching as the dependent variables. The results indicated significant gender effects for activity (males higher), listening (females higher) and touching (females higher). Females also mentioned listening in their definition of close relationships significantly more often than men. Significant sex-role effects were found for talking, listening, touching and the level of closeness. In each instance androgynous individuals rated these items the highest. Significant effects for relationship type were present in the number of close relationships, talking, activity, listening, touching and the level of closeness. There were no gender differences found in the number of close relationships, talking, and the level of closeness experienced in relationships. There also were no gender differences in the mention of talking, activity and touching in the definition of close relationships. There were no sex-role differences found in the number of close relationships, and the mention of talking, activity, listening and touching in the definitions of close relationships.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Kelly, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Academic guidance counseling|Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Social psychology
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