AGE AND GENDER-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN MONEY BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES

Abstract

This article presents research on the relationships of gender role identification, biological sex, and age to the beliefs and behaviors about money. The participants were 240 whose age varied from 17 to 91 years (M = 38.68, SD = 1.81). Bulgarian adaptations of Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) and Furnham's Money Beliefs and Behavior Scale (MBBS) were used. The results indicated that people with different gender role patterns (masculine type, feminine type, androgynous type, undifferentiated type) differed in their beliefs and behaviors towards money. According to the results of this research, biological sex was related to male attitudes and beliefs that money could be the main purpose and value, and may be used to demonstrate excellence. The data showed that women tended to feel more tension, anxiety, and guilt when spending money, and also perceived money as a means of security and protection. The assumption that the participants from different age groups would have different beliefs and attitudes about money was also confirmed.