Information
Social psychology is the realm where psychological scales unfurl their versatility to explore the intricate interplay of individuals within the social fabric. Researchers in this domain employ psychological scales as probes, delving into the dynamics of attitudes, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships. These scales enable a closer examination of the human psyche within the social context, shedding light on complex phenomena and contributing to efforts to reduce social biases and discrimination.
The Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS) measures attitudes towards gender roles and stereotypes, contributing to research on gender-related biases and helping guide interventions to reduce gender-based discrimination (Spence & Helmreich, 1972). Within the realm of social psychology, the Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS), developed by Spence and Helmreich in 1972, embodies the practical applications of psychological scales. This instrument is a testament to the transformative power of scales in the examination of societal norms, particularly those related to gender roles and stereotypes.
Items of the Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS)
The AWS comprises a set of items that probe individuals' attitudes toward women and gender roles. The scale typically employs a Likert-type response format, where respondents indicate their level of agreement with each item.
Women should not be concerned with making themselves beautiful; they should be developing their minds.
A man should be able to feel that his career is as important as his wife's.
I believe that a woman should be free as a man to propose marriage.
Girls should learn to cook so they will make better wives.
In business, women should be free to compete with men.
A married woman should have as much right to make up her mind as a married man.
Many men want to "keep" their wives in a state of dependency.
A husband should not expect his wife to listen to him when he talks about his problems.
Women should be free to use birth control.
A married woman should have as much right to develop her abilities as a married man.
The AWS serves as a gauge of societal attitudes toward gender roles and women's rights. It doesn't merely measure these attitudes but also provides a platform for understanding societal norms and expectations. Research employing the AWS offers insights into the prevalence of gender-related biases, stereotypes, and discrimination. Moreover, it paves the way for interventions aimed at reducing gender-based discrimination and promoting gender equality, thus demonstrating the tangible impact of psychological scales in the field of social psychology.
