Description

The Gender Role and Relationship Norm Questionnaire (AQ-40) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, and social perceptions regarding gender roles and the norms that govern interpersonal and intimate relationships. The questionnaire is grounded in theories of gender socialization, social role theory, and relationship dynamics, examining how individuals perceive societal expectations concerning masculinity, femininity, gender equality, and relationship functioning.

The AQ-40 consists of 40 items that evaluate a broad spectrum of attitudes toward traditional and contemporary gender roles, gender equality, division of responsibilities, decision-making processes, communication patterns, emotional expression, and expectations within intimate and interpersonal relationships.

The instrument is widely used in social psychology, gender studies, family psychology, counseling psychology, public health, sociology, and research focusing on gender equality, social norms, stereotypes, and interpersonal relationships. It provides valuable insights into the influence of cultural and social beliefs on individual attitudes and relationship behaviors.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Gender Role and Relationship Norm Questionnaire (AQ-40) is to assess individuals’ beliefs and attitudes toward gender roles and the norms that shape personal and intimate relationships. The instrument enables researchers and practitioners to determine the extent to which respondents endorse traditional versus egalitarian perspectives regarding gender and family roles.

Additionally, the AQ-40 is used to:

  • Investigate gender stereotypes and social attitudes.
  • Evaluate support for gender equality.
  • Examine relationship dynamics and interpersonal expectations.
  • Assess the effectiveness of educational and social interventions.
  • Support the development of policies promoting gender equality and the prevention of discrimination.
  • Investigate social and psychological factors influencing gender-related beliefs and relationship norms.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

The AQ-40 evaluates multiple dimensions related to gender roles and relationship norms, including:

  • Beliefs about traditional male and female roles
  • Gender equality
  • Expectations within intimate relationships
  • Communication and cooperation
  • Division of family and occupational responsibilities
  • Gender stereotypes
  • Decision-making and power balance within relationships

Overall and subscale scores can be analyzed in relation to important psychological and social variables, including:

  • Gender equality attitudes
  • Sexist beliefs
  • Relationship quality
  • Family functioning
  • Social adjustment
  • Psychological well-being
  • Self-esteem
  • Empathy
  • Social identity
  • Cultural values

Psychometric evaluation of the AQ-40 commonly includes Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA/CFA), reliability analysis using Cronbach’s alpha, as well as correlation analyses, multiple regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationships between gender role attitudes and broader psychological or social constructs.

Scoring

The AQ-40 consists of 40 items, which are typically rated using a five-point or seven-point Likert scale, depending on the version of the instrument. Participants indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement, while some items may require reverse scoring before computing total and subscale scores.

Both total and subscale scores are calculated, allowing the assessment of different aspects of gender role beliefs and relationship norms. Higher or lower scores are interpreted according to the specific dimension being measured and reflect the degree to which respondents endorse traditional or more egalitarian attitudes. The AQ-40 is widely used in scientific research as well as in the evaluation of educational and community-based interventions aimed at promoting gender equality and healthy interpersonal relationships.

References

Bem, S. L. (1974). The Measurement of Psychological Androgyny. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42(6), 155–162.

Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (1999). The Origins of Sex Differences in Human Behavior: Evolved Dispositions Versus Social Roles. American Psychologist, 54(6), 408–423.

Gottman, J. M., & Notarius, C. I. (2000). Observing Marital Interaction. In Handbook of Marriage and the Family (2nd ed., pp. 691–721). Springer.

West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125–151.