Conceptual Analysis of the Sex-Role Ideology Scale

Abstract

The authors report a statistical and conceptual analysis of the usefulness of the Sex-role Ideology Scale in research employing a population outside of Canada where the instrument was developed and validated. Factor analysis yielded four factors, two of which had only four items each and poor interitem reliability. The remaining two factors are interpreted as measuring agreement with the over-all goals and values of the feminist ideology and the norms of a traditional family-oriented sex-role division. The authors suggest some problems introduced by the treatment of these values and norms as points on a theoretical continuum. Modification of the scale should provide information leading to a greater understanding of the complex factors involved in the changing patterns of interpersonal relationships.