Self-construal represents the grounds of self-definition, and the extent to which the self is defined independently of others or interdependently with others. It is based on the principal idea that the definition of the self is subject to cultural differences. From the definition, two types of self-construal exist including the independent self-construal and the interdependent self-construal (Hallam et al., 2011). Independent self-construal is characterized by desire for being separate from others, personal preferences and wishes among others. On the other hand, interdependent self-construal is characterized by a feeling of connection with others and a person's attention to their role in a group. Lately, the third conceptualization of self-construal has been established. The relational self-construal looks at the ways in which the self can be defined through the lenses of close, dyadic relationships. Based on these types of self-construal, the most vital question that has been assessed in literature is whether there are gender differences in independent vs. interdependent self-construal. The probability of the existence of gender variance in independent vs. interdependent self-construal has been shown previously. Research has shown that women place more values on relational groups while men put more emphasis on collective groups. This paper discusses the gender differences in independent vs. interdependent self-construal and shows that whereas men thrive more in interdependent self-construal, females are more inclined to independent self-construals.
Research in social and cultural psychology has identified that self-construal, or the way the self is defined in relation to others, play an important role in social decision-making processes (Flinkenflogel et al., 2017). From a basic point of view, Flinkenflogel et al. (2017) explains that the self-construal represents the way individuals perceive themselves in relation to others. Research has shown that the notion of self-construal differs based on cultures. Individualistic cultures such as Western Europe and North America view themselves as significantly different from others. As such, the self is defined within the realms of internal characteristics and attributes such as attitudes and abilities. The aim of this paper is to establish the presence of gender differences in independent vs. interdependent self-construal among teenagers aged between 18 and 19 years and have just joined college by conducting a thorough literature review.
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As previously noted, self-construal can be defined as a way of perceiving and defining the self in relation to others. Studies have shown that self-construal differs from one culture to the other. However, questions have remained alive as to whether similar differences can be seen across the gender divide. Thanks to contemporary studies, evidence has shown that males and females are sensitive to different aspects of the self-construal (Cross et al., 2003). It is in this regard that the discussion will focus on a group of teenagers who have just joined college to assess how the independent and interdependent self-construal elements differ between males and females. The importance of assessing this group stems from a host of factors. Teenagers in a college setting are more social, aggressive, and are more likely to depict the elements of the independent and interdependent self-construal compared to the rest of the population.
Literature Review
A dominant stereotype occurs in America that states that women are more social compared to their male counterparts. However, research has shown that both males and females have equal chances of maintaining an interdependent self-construal. Among teenagers, gender differences exist, but the question lies in the type of interdependence rather than the degree of interdependence (Cross et al., 2003). Studies have shown that females are more likely to place greater focus on the relational tenets of interdependence compared to the males who overemphasize the group or collective aspects that come with interdependence. Research conducted on the teenagers has shown that females are more concerned with close relationships and visualize themselves under these specific realms. Therefore, the chances are high that the females will sacrifice an immense amount of resources to ensure that their close relationships achieve much-needed success. On the other hand, males want to be identified as group members. Hardin et al., (2016) noted that their emotional intensity is invested in a group context. Compared to females, males are more likely to sacrifice their resources for the wellbeing of the group.
It is however without a doubt that the aspects of interdependent self-construal are equally present in both sexes. One research conducted among the Taiwanese students sought to find out how help-seeking behaviors differed across the gender divide. The research found out that with regards to the self-seeking behaviors, the female students have more positive attitudes compared to their male counterparts. Therefore, females are more likely to seek professional help not only for psychological but also academic problems. Traditional beliefs have significantly impacted the self-construal in various societies. In Asian society, women are more likely to seek counseling help even though cultural stigma has a significant role in discouraging it (Hardin et al., 2016). On the other hand, it would be difficult for the males to receive a similar help, given that they have grown knowing that emotional distress can be interpreted as a sign of emotional weakness. Therefore, it would be easier to find females seeking assistance for social problems unlike men, who have been unduly shaped by the society that help-seeking behaviors could be attributed to a sign of weakness.
When evaluating the gender differences in independent and interdependent mind frames, several conclusions can be arrived at. It remains crucial to note that individuals with an interdependent mindset assess their similarities with others that are close to them. Independent self-construal focuses on individuals who focus on the difference they have with their counterparts. From a teenager point of view, thinking about similarities that one has with others decreases what is known as the subjective interpersonal distance. However, when teenagers focus on the differences they have, they can easily increase this particular distance. Another study conducted focuses on the likelihood of receiving a favor from a stranger. It showed that the males with the interdependent mind are more likely to accept the offer while the females with the independent mind will most likely reject the offer. The interdependent mind puts the welfare of society ahead of their personal interests. It is in this regard that they tend to avoid any suspicions when it comes to relating to the strangers (Yeh, 2002). On the other hand, an independent mind will be adamant about relating to the stranger because they are preoccupied with their own values and values. Males are therefore more likely than females to accept gifts or favors from the strangers.
When assessing the essence of interdependence and independent self-construal, it remains significant to assess the role that values, emotions, and social behavior play. It is generally believed that the individuals that view themselves as interdependent believe that social connections are essential in life. They also believe in maintaining harmony with others. Some of the attributes they demonstrate include friendship, family safety, and national security among others. In this tenet, both men and women will tend to show similar characteristics (Kiuchi, 2006). Interdependent males and females are not only cooperative but also competitive. However, this significantly differs as regards to the independent self-construal. Research has shown that there is a high likelihood that the independent-minded have a high likelihood of interacting with others irrespective of their reservations about groups and collectiveness (Yeh, 2002). Whereas they are aware of their unique positions in the society, they can still go ahead and engage in activities that place them in the public arena. However, females do not have the same characteristics.
According to Carver et al. (2012), young women in the late teens with an independent self-construal are more likely to stick to their values and principles regarding the creation of boundaries. Despite being cognizance of the essence of group formations, they have a strong narcissistic belief in their abilities and thus do not need to be viewed within the group context. This explains why the number of female introverts significantly exceeds that of males. Males are more likely to show versatility in the independent self-construal state. However, females are rigid and will rather stick to their values without necessarily having a compromise.
Theoretical Overview
The theory that best applies to the self-construal was postulated by Carl Rodgers and is known as the theory of self. In his theory, Rodgers comes up with two wide concepts that include congruence and incongruence. The theory of self is about putting individuals within their social context. It seeks to explain how individuals define themselves in the broader context of society. Rodgers believes that individuals will only achieve actualization if they can define themselves not only within their personality but also the broader society. In defining congruent people, Rodgers notes that they are individuals who are genuine and authentic. They are conscious of their environment and are ready to explore it without any restrictions. Next, he defines the place of the incongruent people. These are individuals who, despite their quest for glory, use antisocial and lives that are not necessarily genuine (Carver et al., 2012). He clearly distinguishes the two personalities in a clear and concise manner hoping to provide a picture of their strengths and shortcomings. From a broader perspective, Rodgers, in his theory of self, is hell-bent on emphasizing how individuals can have a different perspective of themselves in relation to others.
The congruent person can be closely associated with an interdependent self-construal mind. According to Rodgers, the congruent person is aware of their environment and is ready to engage in exploration. They are aware of the essence of relationships and networks. Most fundamentally, they believe in group and social values. A congruent personality will adapt to any situation that comes their way. Individuals with the interdependent framework of mind see themselves as an extension of society. The theory of self remains aware of the fact that a person has dual identities. The individual identity and societal definition are the two facets. According to Rodgers, the congruent person views themselves through the lenses of social identity. On the other hand, the independent self-construal can be equated to the incongruent personality that Rodgers discusses in his theory. A person that follows through this ideology tends to be individualistic in nature. They believe in their own ideas and are more likely to refrain from a group or social activities compared to the interdependent counterparts. They are not cognizant of their environment and would rather remain adherent to their personal principles, rules, and values (Flinkenflogel et al., 2017). They know their boundaries well. In defining the incongruent person, Rodgers remains aware of the inefficiencies that can come with their character.
Looking at the question from the theory of self's point of view, the issue could be reframed as assessing the gender differences in personality between the congruent and the incongruent individual. Knowing the theoretical basis of the issue, it remains vital to assess the gender differences in the interdependent and independent self-construal as seen in personal characteristics such as anxiety and career exploration. Anxiety can be regarded as a personal inefficiency that can deter an individual from achieving their desires in life. Studies have shown that anxiety can differ across the gender divide and can be looked at through the lenses of the self-construal. In an interdependent self-construal, both males and females are likely to wither the effects of anxiety. Using the Rodgers' theory of self, the congruent personality remains aware of the environment and is keen to exploit to their advantage. Therefore, they are more likely to develop coping mechanisms that not only enable them to overcome anxiety but all the other personality deficiencies that might hold them back. However, males are more likely to tolerate and overcome anxiety due to the societal construct that labels them as strong and less fearful. Females will, on the other hand, rely on the strengths of their associations they develop in their groups to come up with the much-required coping skills.
Still, on the anxiety issue, independent self-construal can likely worsen the personality problem of an individual. As explained in the theory of self, these individuals have less belief in social goals. They are not attracted to groups. Therefore, they are less likely to learn and appreciate information from external sources including the necessary coping skills to the problems they exhibit. Other deficiencies such as alcohol problems have been solved through group therapy as seen in Alcohol Anonymous (AA). Rodgers believes that incongruent people are difficult to get the much-needed help and is down to their weaknesses in personality. Another attribute that the author discusses in the context of the self-construal is known as career exploration. Career exploration is about assessing and finding the best career that meets the needs of an individual. It requires guidance and most importantly, a sense of passion and belief. For an interdependent self-construal mind, career exploration can be easier for females compared to males. The reason behind this is that females are more likely to seek information and help. They believe in their close group members and entrust them with their problems.
On the other hand, males are less likely to attain career exploration success in their interdependent self-construal contexts. Studies have shown that on matters to do with making crucial decisions, males are more likely to trust their instincts and show coyness in revealing their indecisiveness. As regards the independent self-construal, males are likely to come with better decisions when placed in their personal cocoons (Neff et al., 2008). They would tend to depict more problem-solving and evaluation skills that would eventually assist them in coming up with the best possible decision. Females are less likely to thrive with career decision when left on their own due to the insecurities cited by Rodgers in his theory of self.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gender differences in interdependence and independent self-construal remain a significant issue worth assessing sociology. It explains how males and females differ in certain fundamental areas of life that require the identification of the self in relation to society. From the studies, males and females can thrive under different circumstances. The theory of self tends to contextualize this issue by depicting two different personalities named the congruent and the incongruent which correspond to the interdependent and independent mentality respectively. Through research, it is evident that personality, character, values, and principles differ across the facets of self-construal.
References
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