The sex-role identities adopted by Black and White working females in South Africa.
Date
2013-01-10
Authors
Snyman, Natasha
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Abstract
In this study, the sex-role identities adopted by young, middle-aged, and older working
females South African were compared. The rationale of the study is based on changes which
occurred within South Africa with regards to gender, race, education, as well as work place
participation for women. Two hundred females from two South African organisations
participated in the study. Two self-report questionnaires were utilised: a demographic
questionnaire and Bem’s Sex-Role Inventory. Data was interpreted statistically, by means of
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and frequencies. Results revealed that younger women have
adopted more masculine characteristics than middle-aged and older females. Results further
indicated that black women are more likely to reflect sex-role identity changes on age than
white women, given that changes in the South African society many have been more
impactful on them. Results on the levels of masculinity amongst the younger group of
females are consistent with a study done on working females in India.