CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING GROUPS WITH MINORITY ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This study examined the effect of mixed gender consciousness-raising groups on various sex role attitudes and behaviors of minority adolescents. Sex role attitudes were defined as career/family orientation. Sex role behaviors were defined as interruption and taking over leadership during the group.;It was hypothesized that the C-r groups would be more effective than sex role discussion groups or no treatment in changing the career/family orientation and assertive behaviors to less traditional ones.;The subjects were fifty six male and female high school juniors and seniors from two underprivileged minority groups (Afro-American and Hispanic American).;In the consciousness-raising groups, members were encouraged to relate their own life experiences. In the discussion groups, this relating of personal experiences was discouraged. A no treatment control group met only to receive the measures. All groups met for five forty five minute sessions.;Sex role attitudes were measured by The Inventory of Masculine/Feminine Values and The Dual Role Scale. Sex role behaviors were recorded by an observer/rater in each group. Subjects were pre-tested and post tested at two points, immediately after the treatment and again, two months later.;Results did not confirm the hypotheses. Though self report data indicated that both types of groups had some effect, this result may be attributed to compliance by the subjects rather than the effectiveness of the groups.;The lack of results may be due to several uncontrolled variables in the methodology: the effect of one minority group on another; adolescents from various age groups; differing ethnicity, age and the socio-economic status of the group "starters". The treatment itself may not have been effective. There was a lack of sharing of inner feelings in the C-r groups which may have occurred because the groups met for such few sessions. The topic of career/family may have been too psychologically distant from the adolescent's immediate concerns.;Recommendations for future research include using older subjects who are couples, studying other sex role behaviors occurring during the group, such as body language and content of verbal behavior.