Perception of masculinity and femininity of kibbutz and urban adolescents

Abstract

The study investigated the perceived masculinity and femininity of kibbutz young males among kibbutz and urban adolescents. Seventy-nine 16-18 year old adolescents read 6 descriptions of a male target. Three descriptions were about a kibbutz born and raised target and three about an urban born and raised target. In each set of three descriptions, one description simply gave the place of residence and age of the target whereas the other two descriptions included either traditionally masculine or traditionally feminine occupational information. Half of the subjects were born, raised and currently resided on kibbutz and the other half were born, raised and currently resided in the city. After reading each description subjects were asked to make inferences regarding the target's traits, roles and physical appearance. It was found, as predicted, that the kibbutz target was perceived as more masculine than his urban counterpart when no additional individuating information was given. However, when the occupational information was given, inferences were based mainly on that information and not on place of residence. In addition, kibbutz and urban subjects differed in some of their inferences. The meanings of these findings are discussed within the framework of the out-group homogeneity effect.