Ambivalent sexism as a mediator for sex role orientation and gender stereotypes in romantic relationships: A study in Turkey

Abstract

The present study examined the mediating effects of ambivalent sexism (hostile and benevolent) in the relationship between sex role orientation (masculinity and femininity) and gender stereotypes (dominance and assertiveness) in college students. The variables were measured using the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), and the Attitudes toward Gender Stereotypes in Romantic Relationships Scale (AGSRRS). These inventories were administered to 250 undergraduate students at Istanbul University in Istanbul and Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta, Turkey. Results indicate that benevolent sexism mediates the relationship between hostile sexism and male dominance. Benevolent sexism also mediates femininity and male dominance, as well as femininity and male assertiveness. Hostile sexism was mediated only between the masculine personality trait and benevolent sexism. The present findings expand the literature on sex role orientation by revealing evidence that masculine and feminine individuals experience ambivalent sexism distinctively. The results are discussed in terms of the assumptions of sex role orientation, ambivalent sexism, and gender stereotypes.

Sexism and its associated factors among adolescents in Europe: Lights4Violence baseline results

“…According to our results, higher levels of assertiveness among adolescents was associated with higher levels of BS in both sexes and with higher levels of HS in boys. The association between both BS and HS in young men and women and gender stereotypes such as male dominance and assertiveness has been previously observed, evidencing how gender ideology may guide beliefs about partners (Curun et al, 2017). In relation to girls’ assertiveness, it is possible that BS reinforces it in contexts in which this type of attitudes and beliefs about gender roles are more socially accepted and misunderstood as ‘‘positive’’ attitudes toward women.…”

Ambivalent sexism in adolescence: The relationship between family socialization styles and ambivalent sexism in adolescence

“…complementary role of protector (benevolent attitude; Curun, Taysi, & Orcan, 2017). The combination of these two types of sexism leads to positive and negative subjective feelings towards both genders and gives rise to ambivalent sexism (Connor, Glick, & Fiske, 2017;Glick & Fiske, 2001Lameiras Fernández & Rodríguez Castro, 2003).…”