Age, Sex and Feminism

Abstract

This paper attempts to delineate the relation ship between age and sex as independent variables and certain issues related to feminism. Neither the dependent nor the independent variable is simple and unequivocal. Also, the relations among them cannot be precisely mea sured with data so far available. Only general trends can be traced and hypothetical interpretations of them offered. With these qualifications, the following conclusions seem acceptable. Although more older than younger respondents of both sexes tend—expectably—to be traditional on feminist issues, older men are more favorable than older women on such issues. Among women education seems to explain a good deal of the traditionalism associated with age. However, the historical circumstances in which the generation of women now in their forties were socialized may help to explain their anomalous positions on feminist issues today. The political implications of current trends lie in increasing acceptance of feminist positions.