Sex Effects or Structural Effects? An Empirical Test of Kanter's Theory of Proportions

Kanter's argument that relative numbers shape perception and social interaction and that observed sex differences in groups may be attributable to the fact that women usually form a small proportion of the membership was tested empirically in relation to union workers' committees. The dynamics of boundary heightening, role entrapment and power differences were significantly more pronounced in skewed than in balanced committees, supporting Kanter's contention. Changes in group sex proportion, however, had a stronger impact on stereotypical views of women than of men. Furthermore, while structure had a moderating effect, sex was still found to have a main effect on the relationship between sex ratios and the dependent variables. The need to distinguish between numerical and institutionalized dominance is discussed.