Attitudes toward the female role: Life experiences and problems reported by older women

Abstract

This paper focuses on early socialization to the female role and adherence to values and beliefs inherent in that role as related to problems reported by aged women. Data from 213 women over the age of 60 have been analyzed with reference to woman's role and problems experienced in old age. Early socialization has been related to current personal beliefs about the adequacy, rights, and prerogatives of women. The reported problems have also been analyzed in terms of the relationship to attitudes expressed. Consideration has been given to life experiences that impact on attitudes such as marital status, educational level, employment history, and organizational activity. Support has been found for intergenerational transmission of attitudes. Differences between generations were also found to occur more often and to a greater extent with women who have had some nontraditional experiences in their lives. There is also evidence that women holding the most traditional attitudes about the appropriate role of women report greater numbers of problems in old age. Fewer problems are associated with employment outside the home, high educational levels, and remaining single.

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