Verbal and Nonverbal Behavior in Single-Sex and Mixed-Sex Groups: Are Traditional Sex Roles Changing?

Abstract

The study examines the degree to which traditional sex differences in behavioral interaction in groups obtain even in a sample of very bright, career-oriented men and women who are similar in respect to a variety of personality attributes and personal aspirations. 21 experimental groups were studied, 7 all-male, 6 all-female, and 8 mixed-sex groups. Groups were composed of 5 or 6 members. Each group had 40 min. to discuss an ethical dilemma and come to a consensus decision. The data indicated that, while rates of interaction departed from traditional sex-role stereotypes, with females dominating the mixed groups verbally, interaction styles and nonverbal postures remained sex-role stereotypic. Males devoted a greater proportion of their interaction to task behavior, i.e., giving opinions, suggestions, and information, and the females to reactions, i.e., agreements and disagreements. Males exceeded females in displays of nonverbal postures associated with dominance. Most behavioral measures were not affected by the sex composition of the group. Implications of these findings for work settings are discussed.