Reaction to this stereotype differed according to age. Younger respondents were significantly less likely to feel that a woman’s place was in the home. A third of 18 to 34 year olds (34%) felt this way, compared to more than half (54%) of 40 to 49 year olds. Women were also less likely to hold this opinion than men. 34% of female respondents agreed with the stereotype, compared to 48% of males. There was no significant difference of opinion among race groups.
In contrast to this view, a woman’s position in the household was seen as being close to that of a man’s. When asked whether they thought it was important that a man, and not a woman, was the head of a family, 47% of respondents felt that a woman could also be the head of a household. In comparison, 51% believed it was important that it was a man who was the head of a household.
Women were more likely than men to feel that a woman could lead a family, but not by a substantial margin. 51% of female respondents felt that a woman could also be the head of a family, compared to 43% of men. Among race groups, black and coloured respondents were less likely than whites to feel that a woman could also be the head of a household. 45% and 47% of black and coloured respondents, respectively, believed a woman could be head of household, compared to 58% of whites. There were no significant differences of opinion among age groups.
