Readers: Who has the control or power in your world? Does one gender dominate the other or is there partnership? The University of Missouri-Kansas City's 1994 Starr Symposium asked "Talk to Us" to find out what teenagers think about this topic. Let us know YOUR opinions by returning your answers to the following questions to the address below. Results will be printed in a future column.
- First name Age M F City, state
- Mark ONE: I live with both parents Mom Dad Other
If you believe a sentence describes a situation where males have more power or control, write "M" in the blank; if you believe females have more power or control, write "F"; or if you think male/female power and control is equal, write "E." If it doesn't apply to you, leave blank.
- Who has control in your home (male, female or equal)?
1. Which parent decides how money will be spent?
2. Which parent disciplines the children?
3. Which parent has the most authority/power?
4. When there are disagreements, who makes the final
decision?
- At school (M, F or E?):
5. Which faculty members have more authority?
6. Which students hold more offices?
7. If a club president is male, members are more likely to be
8. If a club president is female, members are more likely to be
9. Who is more likely to be encouraged to take advanced math, science, computer classes?
10. Who is presented as having more power in textbooks, stories and lectures?
11. If opportunities to be a leader in the classroom and in extracurricular activities are equal, who benefits?
- On the job (M, F or E):
12. It's easier to get a job as a teenager if you're
13. The boss or manager at most jobs is
- Who has more power in the media? (M, F or E)
14. Which reporters and talk show hosts are the most effective or "powerful"?
15. Who is more likely to be an "in your face" reporter or talk show host?
16. Who comes across as more psychologically powerful in movies and videos?
- In social life? (M, F or E)
17. Outside of school, who dominates mixed-gender conversations?
18. In nonschool activities, who are the leaders?
19. Who makes the decisions where you're going or what you're going to do on a date or at a party?
20. Who controls how far you go in showing affection?
- Future opportunities (M, F or E):
21. Who do you think will make more money when you're an adult?
22. Who do you think is more likely to be a boss or manager when you're an adult?
23. In the occupations/pro-fes-sions you're interested in, who will be more likely to get a better job?
24. Who will have a better chance to be elected president of the United States in 2017?
25. Who is more likely to be secretary of defense in 2017?
26. Who is more likely to be a president or head of a major corporation in 2017?
- Between males and females . . . (M, F or E):
27. Which gender has more power on the streets?
28. Which gender is likely to be safer on the streets?
29. Which gender has more advantages in your generation?
30. Which gender do you believe "should" have more power?
31. From whom have you learned the most about power?
32. "Power" is more important to
33. At what age or grade in school did you first notice that your gender had more or less power than the other?
34. Do you personally believe that shared or "partnership" power between males and females is a good idea? (Yes or No)
35. What will give you power or control in your life? (Use your own words; any additional comments welcome.)
Please send to Pat and David, c/o Universal Press Syndicate, 4900 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64112.