Perceived Feminine Role Orientation and Self-Concept

Abstract

This study was designed to explore the relationships between perceived feminine role orientation and positive self-concept, as measured by scores attained on the Inventory of Feminine Values (IFV) and the Total Positive Scale of the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS). Analysis of variance computation on a sample of 87 women indicated that there was no difference in positive self-concept for women who perceived their feminine roles as liberal, those who saw their roles as traditional, and those who had a neutral orientation. All three groups had Total Positive Self scores, of the TSCS, above the norm mean. Marital status and religious background were correlated with role orientation. The authors interpreted the results as providing a basis for questioning previous writers' assumptions that a neutral or androgynous role orientation is the most helpful one for women to assume, and suggest that primary effort be directed at encouraging and helping women to make their own role choice.