A Relation Between Autism Traits and Gender Self-concept: Evidence from Explicit and Implicit Measures

A link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender identity difficulties has been suggested. In this study, we found that, among adults from the general population (N = 101) ASD traits (measured using the Autism-spectrum Quotient) were associated negatively and significantly with the strength of both explicit gender self-concept (measured using the Personal Attributes Questionnaire) and implicit gender self-concept (measured using an Implicit Association Task). Further analyses showed that a subgroup with high/clinically significant ASD traits showed significantly weaker explicit and implicit gender self-concepts than a subgroup with low ASD traits. Results were similar in both males and females, although there was some evidence of a selective influence of ASD traits on implicit gender self-concept among females only.

DIFERENCIAS SEXUALES EN LOS RASGOS DE PERSONALIDAD INSTRUMENTALES Y EXPRESIVOS DE ADOLESCENTES ESPAÑOLES

SEX DIFFERENCES IN SPANIARD ADOLESCENTS’ INSTRUMENTAL AND EXPRESSIVE TRAITSExtensive research has shown that people believe that men and women have differentpersonality traits characterizing women with “expressive” traits and men with “instrumental” traits. Because of the controversial nature of this topic, this research examines sex differences in the expressive and instrumental traits of 634 adolescents aged between 14 to 18 years, who answered the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (Spence, Helmreich & Stapp, 1974). The results show sex differences in self-identification with traditional values usually attributed to the other sex, also a change in the sex role stereotypes values, being the overcoming of the sexist stereotype clearer for girls who identified themselves with more instrumental traits.Key words: Instrumentality; Expressiveness; Sex differences; Sexual role stereotypesResumen.Investigaciones señalan que la gente suele creer que hombres y mujeres tienen rasgos de personalidad diferentes caracterizando a las mujeres con rasgos “expresivos” y a los varones como “instrumentales”. Debido a lo controvertido del tema la presente investigación examina las diferencias sexuales en los rasgos instrumentales y expresivos de 634 adolescentes, con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 18 años, quienes cumplimentaron el Cuestionario de Atributos Personales (Spence, Helmreich y Stapp, 1974). Los resultados muestran diferencias entre sexos en la auto-identificación con los valores tradicionales habitualmente atribuidos al otro sexo al igual que un cambio en los estereotipos de rol sexual, siendo la superación del estereotipo sexista más clara para las chicas quienes se identifican con más rasgos instrumentales.Palabras clave: Instrumentalidad; Expresividad; Diferencias sexuales; Estereotipos de rol sexual

Masculinities Representations Inventory (MRI, English Version): A Measure of Gender (Re)Presentation

This article introduces the Masculinities Representations Inventory (MRI), English version, as a multidimensional measure of gender (re)presentation. It provides structural, convergent, and divergent validity, as well as reliability evidence, in support of its use among English speakers in South Africa. Principal components analysis with a male student sample ( n = 319) confirms the measure’s construct multidimensionality. Three factors inform a 29-item total- and subscale measure, including dominant Representations of Othering (Anti-Effeminacy and Homo-Negativity), Responsibility (Dependability and Success), and Control (Dominance and Toughness). Evidence of convergent validity is seen in predicted patterns of correlation between MRI scale scores and those of the Male Role Norms Inventory as well as Gender Role Conflict Scales. Evidence of divergent validity is apparent in nonsignificant correlations, in all but one case (Masculinity), with the Personal Attributes Questionnaire scale scores.

Tough Enough for the Job? How Masculinity Predicts Recruitment of City Council Members

Does an individual’s gender help to explain if he or she is more or less likely to be recruited to run for political office? While the effects of sex differences on the candidate emergence process have been studied extensively, the influence of masculinity and femininity is less understood. To uncover if gender influences whether an individual is recruited to run for political office, this article relies on data from an original survey of a nationally representative sample of city council members, with the primary independent variable, individuals’ self-identified masculinity, measured by the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ). Results show that those who identify as more masculine, whether male or female, are more likely to be recruited to run for elected office. This effect holds for a variety of types of recruitment, such as political elites and women’s organizations. The findings add an important dimension to the supply-side explanations for women’s underrepresentation.

The Role Of Gender Identity In The Behavior Of Bullying

We explore the relation between gender stereotyping in traits and roles and bullying. The sample is comprised by 1835 students (993 boys and 842 girls) from the 4th to 6th grade of Primary school from Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). In order to measure gender roles we have used Sex Role Scale for Children, whilst gender stereotypes have been measured with Childrens Personal Attributes Questionnaire. The levels of school aggression have been assessed through Instrument to assess the incidence of involvement in bully/victim interactions at school. The evolution of gender role has a higher significance at work-related than in family roles. In the study of gender traits boys and girls show traditional differential characteristics. Results prove the role of gender stereotypical trait in aggressive behaviour among pairs.