Sex-Role Orientation of Perceivers and Targets As Variables in the Person Perception Process

Abstract

Sex-role orientation operates both as a perceiver variable and a target variable in person perception and attribution processes. The present study investigates the effects of sex-role orientation on these processes in young men making judgments about women peers. Data are presented which show that the sex-role orientation of perceivers is moderately important in determining attributions of perceived similarity to a phantom other and to attributions of adjustment and self-confidence but has no effect upon actual or attributed interpersonal attraction. Sex-role orientation of targets effects interpersonal perception and attraction processes in young men in proportion to the degree that target persons are seen as possessing masculine attributes. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the theory of psychological androgyny.