Factor structure of sex-role characteristics and its relation to agency and communion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the concepts of masculinity and femininity, and their interrelation, (b) the appropriateness of the scale for measurements of sex-roles, and (c) the difference of role expectations for both sexes. Using two types of adjective lists, scores concerning desirabilities for men, women, and self were factor analyzed respectively in unipolar scales among 155 undergraduates and in bipolar (SD) scales also among 217 undergraduates. In both scales, three factors were identified; “agency” emphasizing personal abilities or properties, “communion” oriented to cooperation with-or consideration for others, and “delicacy-charms” consisting of tenderness and sexual attractiveness. The scale was termed ISRS (Ito Sex Role Scale). Agency and communion were the main structural dimensions of sex-roles, mutually related with desirability for both men and women. The unipolar scales were more suitable for measurements of sex-roles than SD scales for the independence of factors. Role expectations for men consisted of agency and communion, while delicacy-charms were added to those for women. Reliability and validity of ISRS were substantiated in various aspects. © 1986, The Japanese Association of Educational Psychology. All rights reserved.