Self-image disparity, ethnic identity and sex-role stereotypes in British and Cypriot adolescents

Abstract

This study was concerned with the actual and ideal self-perceptions and intergroup stereotypes of male and female British, British Cypriot and Greek Cypriot adolescents. It was predicted that the three cultures would have a different self-image disparity because of the different socialization experiences of the three groups. The British adolescents had the largest disparity scores and the Greek Cypriots the smallest, with the British Cypriots intermediate between the two. A number of sex differences were also found which supported the prediction that various sex-role stereotypes influenced the self-concept. Finally, all three groups showed strong evidence of preferences for members of their own group by rating the in-group stimuli as more positive than out-group stimuli. The results were discussed with reference to minority groups and their attempts at maintaining an ethnic identity.