[A new look at dreams of females]

The regularity of gender differences reported in the manifest content of dreams has been generally interpreted as a reflection of biological differences and/or early socialization. Research we have conducted on women's dreams reveals that many of their characteristics are linked to social roles. Findings suggest that the new occupational roles of women, combined with the traditional mother role decrease stereotypic feminine dream imagery. Age and life cycle phase from adolescence to old age, also appear to impact on dreams.