The influence of goals on people's perceptions of a competent woman

Traditional and profeminist males and females were shown one of two videotapes of a competent woman who planned either to pursue her career or to stay home with her family. Results indicated that (1) the woman was perceived as more able when she planned to pursue her career; (2) females' perceptions were more positive in the Career condition and males in the Family condition; (3) females' perceptions to the stimulus person were consistent with their attitudes, while males' perceptions were not.An earlier draft of this paper was presented at the meetings of the Western Psychological Association, Los Angeles, April 8–11, 1976. The author wishes to thank Dr. Joy Stapp for her great help and invaluable contribution to all stages of this research.