The Altruistic Other Orientation: An Exploration of Female Powerlessness

Abstract

A construct, the altruistic other orientation (AOO), is introduced and used to examine a life-long attitude of self-sacrifice in women originating in the male-female relationship. Research exploring this construct utilizes the Walstedt Altruistic Other scale and a revision of the Schaefer Parent AttitudeResearch Instrument on a sample of 106 middle-aged women. The hypothesis that women who do not accept the altruistic other orientation are more likely to be self-supporting in their middle years and attain more academic degrees than those who do was confirmed (p < ,001 ). In addition, father socialization practices were found to be significantly correlated with the daughter's academic achievement, economic independence, and A 0 0 adoption (p < .05 to p < .001).

Delineating the Structural Precursors and Cognitive Consequences of Personal Powerlessness: the Filipino Woman's Experience

“…Feminist literature reveals more factors shaping women's attributions. Women who espouse feminism and hold non-traditional sex-role attitudes possess high self-esteem (Walstedt, 1977;Cott 1975), greater independence (Walstedt, 1977), and greater assertiveness (Mainiero, 1986). Birth control studies suggest that feminism encourages women to exercise greater control over their bodies through successful contraception (Fox, 1977).…”

Influence of television commercials on women's self-confidence and independent judgment.

“…The rest of the culture also affirms male importance and counteracts the occasionally negative images of men in television portrayals (Geis, Brown, Jennings [ Walstedt |,& Porter,Note 1). Women, however, have been taught by commercials and live models to be subservient helpers who conform to the wishes of those around them, rather than to be initiatory and resourceful on their own behalf (Walstedt, 1977).…”