Handle With Care: The Effects of Benevolent Sexism on Christian Cross-Sex Friendships

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of benevolent sexism on cross-sex friendships among evangelical Christians. This study consisted of 13 male and 13 female participants, with ages ranging from 25 to 59 (M = 35.77, SD = 10.86). We analyzed interviews using grounded theory methodology. Results indicated that Christians hold gender-based assumptions that are consistent with benevolent sexism. These benevolently sexist assumptions create a self-reinforcing, dynamic barrier, “The Wall,” that negatively impacts Christians’ cross-sex friendships. Finally, findings indicate that Christians engage in various “wall-management behaviors” to navigate this barrier, and that these behaviors may inadvertently reinforce The Wall. Findings highlight a need for exploring sexist attitudes and behaviors among evangelical Christians. These findings also have implications for Christian friendships, for clinical work, for further research, and for community intervention.

Keywords

gender issues psychology and the church interpersonal

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