Changing marriage role expectations: 1961-1996

The present study is an update of a longitudinal study of marriage role exp ectations begun in 1961. Data collected in 1990 and 1996 have been added to the data set, allowing for comparisons of female college students' marriag e role expectations from 1961, 1972, 1978, 1984, 1990, and 1996. Comparison s include the females' traditional vs, egalitarian expectations for their m arriage overall as well as on the seven subscales of authority, homemaking, child care, personal characteristics, social participation, education, and employment and support There were significant changes toward more egalitar ian expectations overall and on all subscales except authority from 1961 to 1972. Since 1972, the only significant changes were on the subscales of au thority, homemaking, and child care, with no significant changes on any sub scales or on overall expectations since 1978.