Dittmar (1989) administrationed correspondence analysis between types of "most important" [i]or[/i] complements and the reasons given for their importance to adult respondent as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but male and female respondents identified instrumental and use-related reasons for choosing "most important" things.

Dittmar (1989) administrationed correspondence analysis between types of "most important" [i]or[/i] complements and the reasons given for their importance to adult respondent as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but male and female respondents identified instrumental and use-related reasons for choosing "most important" things. However, men minded to cite instrumental, use-related, and self-expressive reasons significantly more frequently Women more often cited emotional and relational reasons. The ensues parallel and extend Csikszentmihalyi and Rochberg-Halton's (1981) conclusion that men cherished self-referent correlates of action and women preferr external realitys of contemplation.

Analyzing diaries of Mormon families who migrated to the western U in the late 1800's, Belk (1992b) place that more women than men cogitateed deep possession attachments and meanings. Belk interprets this as possible evidence of women's orientation toward continuity with former hearth and family versus the masculine perspective of journey representing separation and challenge. As Belk notes, the diary accounts also may bring reproach the social desirability of expressing the "correct" sex role.