The Effect of Sex, Ethnic Group and the Endorsement of Masculine/Feminine Personality Traits on the Perception, use and Ownership of Selected Sportswear Apparel

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to assess the nonverbal communication of the masculinity/femininity of selected sportswear items to ownership, use, and endorsement of expressive and instrumental personality traits. A total of 240 subjects enrolled in psychology courses at East Carolina University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro participated in the study during the fall semester, 1983. The Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ) was used to assess an individual's endorsement of expressive and instrumental traits. The score from the PAQ classified subjects into one of four groups: sex-typed masculine, sex-typed feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated. Perception, use and ownership of apparel items were derived from administration of the Andro Clo Instrument. Results from principal axis factor analysis indicated that six factors (Form, Preference, Use, Image, Appearance, and Occasion) are derived to describe sportswear apparel items. Most variables loading on these six factors loaded exclusively on a specific factor for one sex, ethnic or PAQ group. Comparisons of factor analyses for the apparel categories indicated the importance of an Occasion Factor for androgynous apparel items, an Image Factor for masculine apparel items and a combined Preference/Image Factor for feminine apparel items. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in the masculine-feminine ratings for at least half of the 18 apparel items by sex, ethnic, and PAQ groups. Significant differences in the use and ownership occurred in masculine and feminine apparel items but not for androgynous apparel items for sex, ethnic, and PAQ groups.