Some Correlates of Feminism

Abstract

To look at attitudinal and demographic characteristics of individuals who support or oppose the aims of the women's movement, a feminism scale, several measures of autonomy, and a questionnaire concerning family background were given to 154 Ss from selected groups at the University of Cincinnati. Supporters of feminism achieved significantly lower Social Distance scores, higher Independence of Judgment scores, and higher Modernism scores than opposers ( p < .001). Also, male supporters of feminism were more likely to have mothers who completed some college, and female supporters of feminism were more likely to have parents who were either Jewish, atheist, or agnostic. All supporters of feminism were more likely to be atheist, agnostic, Jewish, or Unitarian, while opposers of feminism were more likely to be Protestant or Roman Catholic. Personality correlates are discussed.