A Typology: Older Women and Gender Role Identity

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to categorize and to understand the structure of subjectivity in the gender role identity of older female adults. The perception of gender role identity is subjective and varies according to the uniqueness of individual experiences and the value of social culture. Methods: Q-methodology, a technique for extracting subjective opinions was used. In 2010, forty participants completed the Q-sort activity, rating each statement relative to the others. The Q sample has two categories, representing masculinity and femininity, and each category has 20 statements, resulting in 40 adjectives. Results: Using the Q factor analysis, three classifications were identified: 'caring-affectionate type,', 'assertive-confident type,' and 'sensitive-affectionate type.' Despite the differences among the three types in this research, elderly females are likely to have the understanding and patience to comfort others and care for the children. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed new dimensional types of gender role identity and raise the issue of why we need to develop methods for the new dimensional types. Based on the results, further research is needed to compare the findings with those of older males or with women of different age groups.

Relationship between Parenting Styles and Gender Role Identity in College Students

“…As expected, based on BSRI scores, a higher percentage of women were classifi ed into the feminine group, and a higher percentage of men were classifi ed into the masculine group. The distribution of participants' gender role classifi cations was in accordance with general social norms, in which personality traits closely refl ect social expectations for men and women ( Echabe, 2010 ;Berger & Krahe, 2013;Kim, et al ., 2013 ). In addition, men rated their parents' authoritarianism signifi cantly higher than women did.…”

“…Understanding gender role identity can shape intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, which further solidify self-perception ( Hepp, Spindler, & Milos, 2005 ). Gender role identity is a central element of self, personality, and social identity ( Kim, Euna, & Sung-Hee, 2013 ) and plays a signifi cant part in building self-image ( Echabe, 2010 ;Berger & Krahe, 2013). It develops the basis of self-esteem and self-concept (Berger & Krahe, 2013;Kim, et al ., 2013 ), and establishes awareness of being male or female ( Spence & Buckner, 2000 ).…”

“…Androgyny has been considered as a gender role model since both masculine and feminine traits exist ( Littlefi eld, 2003 ;Park, 2011 ). Androgynous people possess traits that allow them to express both instrumentality and expressivity, displaying a self-identity comprising the socially desirable attributes of both men and women ( Echabe, 2010 ;Berger & Krahe, 2013;Kim, et al ., 2013 ). Research indicates that androgynous people tend to be less rigid when fulfi lling gender role responsibilities, engaging in whatever behavior seems most appropriate or eff ective while remaining sensitive to constraints of diff erent situations.…”

“…One of the central features of identity is gender role identity ( Kim, Euna, & Sung-Hee, 2013 ), and its development is a critical mission of the developing person ( Woodhill & Samuels, 2003 ). Gender role identity is a set of behavioral and social norms that are generally seen as appropriate for different sexes in social relationships ( Gale-Ross, Baird, & Towson, 2009 ).…”