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Adolescent Peer Group Communication, Sex-Role Norms and Decisions about Occupations

Adolescent Peer Group Communication, Sex-Role Norms and Decisions about Occupations Choosing an occupation is a critical part of growing up. Females, however, typically put off making this decision, and for some of them the consequence is inadequate training and the prospect of low-paying, low-status jobs. This study, based on face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 588 undergraduates at a large midwestern university, finds support for the proposition that both sex-role norms, rather than sex per se and interpersonal communication norms and patterns, influence the process of decision-making among adolescents. This study also found that these constraint systems are interrelated.Specifically, adoption of the traditionally masculine sex-role norm (as measured by the Bern Sex-Role Inventory) by either males or females is found to be associated with higher levels of information-seeking regarding the occupational choice, and the values of being in control and being seen as competent on the job. The feminine sex-role norm is related to greater flexibility of choice and the values of “being of service” and “being free from constraints of social comparison,” regardless of the biological sex of the adolescent. Similar patterns were found for the interpersonal communication measures. Dimensions of adolescent peer group interaction were found to correspond to the sex-role dimensions so that masculinity was associated with an assertive interpersonal communication style while femininity was related to a deferential style of interaction. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Annals of the International Communication Association Taylor & Francis

Adolescent Peer Group Communication, Sex-Role Norms and Decisions about Occupations

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Adolescent Peer Group Communication, Sex-Role Norms and Decisions about Occupations

Delano Brown, Jane
Annals of the International Communication Association , Volume 4 (1): 20 – Dec 1, 1980

Abstract

Choosing an occupation is a critical part of growing up. Females, however, typically put off making this decision, and for some of them the consequence is inadequate training and the prospect of low-paying, low-status jobs. This study, based on face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 588 undergraduates at a large midwestern university, finds support for the proposition that both sex-role norms, rather than sex per se and interpersonal communication norms and patterns, influence the process of decision-making among adolescents. This study also found that these constraint systems are interrelated.Specifically, adoption of the traditionally masculine sex-role norm (as measured by the Bern Sex-Role Inventory) by either males or females is found to be associated with higher levels of information-seeking regarding the occupational choice, and the values of being in control and being seen as competent on the job. The feminine sex-role norm is related to greater flexibility of choice and the values of “being of service” and “being free from constraints of social comparison,” regardless of the biological sex of the adolescent. Similar patterns were found for the interpersonal communication measures. Dimensions of adolescent peer group interaction were found to correspond to the sex-role dimensions so that masculinity was associated with an assertive interpersonal communication style while femininity was related to a deferential style of interaction.

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Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Copyright
© 1980 International Communications Association
ISSN
2380-8977
eISSN
2380-8985
DOI
10.1080/23808985.1980.11923831
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Choosing an occupation is a critical part of growing up. Females, however, typically put off making this decision, and for some of them the consequence is inadequate training and the prospect of low-paying, low-status jobs. This study, based on face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 588 undergraduates at a large midwestern university, finds support for the proposition that both sex-role norms, rather than sex per se and interpersonal communication norms and patterns, influence the process of decision-making among adolescents. This study also found that these constraint systems are interrelated.Specifically, adoption of the traditionally masculine sex-role norm (as measured by the Bern Sex-Role Inventory) by either males or females is found to be associated with higher levels of information-seeking regarding the occupational choice, and the values of being in control and being seen as competent on the job. The feminine sex-role norm is related to greater flexibility of choice and the values of “being of service” and “being free from constraints of social comparison,” regardless of the biological sex of the adolescent. Similar patterns were found for the interpersonal communication measures. Dimensions of adolescent peer group interaction were found to correspond to the sex-role dimensions so that masculinity was associated with an assertive interpersonal communication style while femininity was related to a deferential style of interaction.

Journal

Annals of the International Communication Association – Taylor & Francis

Published: Dec 1, 1980

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