Token Men and Women

Abstract

Data from 525 professionals and semiprofessionals are used to test the hypothesis that one's sex is more salient than occupational competencies for persons in opposite-sex- dominated occupations. The impact of these characteristics on a global measure of self-esteem is used as an indicator of their relative salience. The hypothesis is supported in that sex is quite important for all respondents, while occupational competencies are important only for those in same-sex-dominated occupations (professional men and semiprofessional women). This finding is interpreted in a symbolic interactionist framework. Assuming that the salience of various self components is determined by the feedback one receivesfrom significant others, thesefindings suggest that opposite-sex colleagues tend to ignore or downplay occupational competencies in lieu of one's sex. Possible implications for the career success of those in opposite-sex-dominated occupations are discussed. Also discussed are more general implications for self-development theory.

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