Gender Subgroup Self-Categorization and Gender Role Self-Concept

Abstract

The study examined the self-relevance of gender subgroups and differences concerning the gender role self-concept of self-categorized subgroup members. Subjects (198 women and 182 men) self-categorized themselves to gender subgroups and filled out self-concept questionnaires at locations in Austria that are stereotypical for the specific gender subgroups (e.g., playgrounds for housewives). People at a given location preferred a subgroup for self-categorization that corresponded with the stereotypicality of the location. Career women described themselves as less feminine than housewives and chicks. Machos and yuppies described themselves as more masculine than hippies and professors. Professors used more negative feminine gender traits for self-descriptions than the other male subgroups. Machos used more negative masculine gender traits for self-description than yuppies and hippies.