Conformity to Masculinity-Femininity Stereotypes and Ego Identity in Adolescents

Abstract

Erikson's theory of ego identity was explored by relating a masculinity-femininity measure to perceived social role consistency (RC), one criterion of identity. Male adolescents whose behaviors tended to conform to cultural stereotypes of masculinity showed higher RC than less masculine males. This was consistent with the hypothesis that social reward for conformity should tend to strengthen interpersonal habits, whereas social punishment for nonconformity should have a weakening effect. Females who were either high or low feminine were more consistent than girls who were only moderately feminine. Combining elements of both the traditional feminine and “modern” masculine roles was considered contributory to lower RC for the latter group.