Self-construal in relation to gender differences and values orientation

Abstract

The present study explored the pattern of self-construal in relation to gender differences and values orientation among Indian male and females. The results indicate that female participants were more predominant of independent self-construal as well as interdependent self-construal than male counterparts. This study also compared the self-construal of male and females by using the Twenty Statement Test (TST).Self-statements were analysed in terms of five main categories (social identity, ideological beliefs, interest, ambitions and self-evaluation) and three others categories (private self, collective self and public self). Results indicated differential use of the main categories by male and females. Female participants score significantly higher on main categories of TST for collective self, public self, social identity and ambitions than their male counterparts while males scored significantly higher on private self, ideological beliefs and interests than females. In the context of values orientation, females scored significantly higher on religious value, democratic values than male counterparts while male scored significantly higher on hedonistic values and health values than their female counterparts. The present study was also analysed in terms of grade perspectives. It was found that there is no close polarization either in favour of independent and interdependent modes of self-construal at grade level. Finding also indicates that 12th grade participants scored significantly higher on main categories of TST for collective self, public self, social identities and ambitions than undergraduate participants while undergraduate participants scored significantly higher on private self, ideological beliefs and self-evaluations than 12th grade participants. Some categories of self-construal are positively related with some personal values while some are negatively related.