Attitudes Toward Women: A Comparison of Asian-born Chinese and American Caucasians

Abstract

Asian-born Chinese and Caucasian American men and women were compared on attitudes toward women, using the Spence-Helmreich Attitude Toward Women Scale. All subjects—74 Americans, 85 Chinese—were between 30 and 55 years of age and had at least a bachelor's degree. Chinese subjects were Mandarin in origin. The prediction that Chinese subjects would be more liberal was not confirmed. Women were more liberal than men on two factors: first, vocational, educational, and intellectual roles; second, marital relations and obligations. Ethnic differences were not a main effect on other factors but a significant interaction was obtained in three factors: freedom and independence; dating, courting, and etiquette; and drinking, swearing, and telling jokes. On these factors Caucasian females scored in the liberal direction and so did Chinese males. Caucasian males and Chinese females were consistently and significantly more conservative.