To the extent that the sexes typically occupy different
social roles, these roles frame individual opportunities in ways
that foster differences in motivations and different methods of
fulfilling those motivations. From the role congruity perspective,
the motivation to achieve role congruity—to align behavior
with the demands of roles—is an important force. Our role
congruity account of sex differences and similarities in motivation
focuses on how roles influence the goals and methods of goal pursuit
elected by men and women. First, we examine support for the idea
that role congruity yields various positive effects. Next, we
examine the mechanisms by which placement in different roles might
foster differences in motivation. Finally, we examine evidence
documenting role-congruous motivational orientations, specifically
"agency" for men and "communion" for women.
In general, we find that fitting important social roles is a critical
motivational force, and the opportunities for goal pursuit afforded
by these social roles shape the kinds of goals and methods of
goal pursuit elected by individuals.
Alice H. Eagly, Professor of
Psychology and Department Chair; Faculty Fellow, Institute for
Policy Research, Northwestern University Amanda B. Diekman, Assistant Professor of Psychology,
Miami University
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