Occupational sex-role liberality of third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade females

A multimethod approach was used to assess the liberality of attitudes of third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade females toward sex-role division in adult occupations and activities. Significant differences on responses to an occupational attitude survey were found between grades. Attitudes became more liberal with grade level for some of the survey items, while others remained stable across grades, with grade 7 females being the most liberal. Evidence was found that choosing one's own occupation may not be directly related to responses to a general attitude questionnaire. Career choices of seventh-grade females showed a wider range of possibilities compared to the third and fifth graders.The author would like to thank the parents, children, and staff of Parkwood Elementary and Ankeney Junior High Schools for their help and cooperation in this study; also, Lawrence A. Kurdek, Wright State University, for his advice, encouragement and assistance. Author's address: 7446 Stonecrop Court, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919.