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Gender Segregation and Its Correlates at Midlife and Beyond
Clare Mehta1,2, Jenna Wilson3, Kimberly Eretzian-Schnauber Smirles1
110645 Department of Psychology, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|December 2, 2020
Summary
Gender segregation persists in midlife friendships, with most friends being of the same gender. Factors like communication beliefs and identity influence these patterns for both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Friendship patterns evolve throughout adulthood.
- Understanding midlife social connections is crucial for well-being.
- Gender influences social dynamics across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender segregation in friendships among U.S. adults aged 50-74.
- To identify correlates of gender segregation in midlife.
- To examine continuity in gender segregation patterns across adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Survey data collected from 177 women and 52 men aged 50-74.
- Analysis of friend nominations to assess gender segregation.
- Correlational analyses to examine relationships between segregation and various factors.
Main Results:
- Significant gender segregation observed: 74% of friend nominations were same-gender.
- For women, segregation correlated with activity orientation, communication beliefs, masculinity, and identity.
- For men, segregation correlated with communication beliefs and identity.
Conclusions:
- Gender segregation is a continuing feature of adult friendships into midlife.
- Correlates of gender segregation show some consistency across adult age groups.
- Findings highlight the role of social cognition and identity in midlife friendships.
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