Locus of Control and Self-Esteem Versus Demographic Factors as Predictors of Attitudes Toward Women

Abstract

This study attempts to clarify the antecedents to the development of sex-role attitudes toward women. As such, two theories are empirically contrasted. One framework suggests that personality characteristics influence the development of sex-role attitudes, whereas the other suggests that cultural norms influenced by unique training and experiences are a more robust predictor of sex-role attitudes. Specifically, the prediction of attitudes toward women by locus of control, self-esteem, and the interaction of locus of control and self-esteem was contrasted with its prediction by age, education, marital status, religious service attendance, and religious affiliation. It was found that the demographic factors were better predictors of attitudes concerning women's sex roles than were the personality characteristics.