GENDER-ROLES AND SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR AMONG YOUNG-WOMEN

This study investigates the hypothesis that 'non-traditional' gender r ole attitudes and 'masculine' gender role traits or dating behaviors a re associated with unsafe sexual behaviors such as having a high numbe r of sexual partners, the non-use of condoms and the use of alcohol or drugs before or during intercourse. A self-report survey was complete d by 400 sexually active Australian women aged between 16 and 24 who a ttended two metropolitan Family Planning clinics in Queensland, Austra lia. The findings show partial support for the hypothesis. Women with a higher level of 'masculine' personality traits and egalitarian gende r role attitudes were more likely to have multiple partners and to use alcohol or drugs with their most recent non-steady partner: The multi variate relationships between gender roles and sexual behaviors are no t as extensive as would be proposed by gender role theory and previous research.