Date of Award

Fall 2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Oswald, Debra

Second Advisor

Grych, John

Third Advisor

Franzoi, Stephen

Abstract

The present study examined the associations between ambivalent sexism toward women and power in heterosexual romantic relationships. Specifically, power was measured globally and in specific domains of relationships (e.g., finances, childcare, sexual activities). College students were asked to complete measures assessing their levels of ambivalent sexism and the amount of power that they expected to have in their future, long-term romantic relationships as well as their perceived power in their current romantic relationships. It was predicted that participants would anticipate having more power in various areas of their relationship according to their gender and their levels of ambivalent sexism. Results indicated that for men, hostile sexism was correlated with expectations of possessing more overall power, decision-making power, and power in traditional masculine activities. For women, benevolent sexism was associated with expectations of having higher levels of sexual submission. For those participants who were in a romantic relationship, benevolent sexism in males was positively associated with power in their current dating activities. Overall, the results suggest that ambivalent sexism in men and women is associated with the amount of power that they expect to have in their future romantic relationships as well as the amount of power that they perceive having in their current romantic relationships

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