Gender and geography: Sex differences in spatial pattern preferences

Previous research on effects of gender on spatial pattern preferences failed to yield definitive conclusions. This study replicates and extends previous research on seating arrangements, while considering sex of respondent, sex of interaction partner, and perceived context. Data were gathered for 75 males and 100 females. Results indicated that males and females preferred different seating patterns when interacting with males in a task‐oriented setting, but similar patterns for male‐female interactions. Findings are discussed in terms of communication functions: defining intimacy, creating gender roles, and allocating status within relationships.