These two experiments examined factors that influence book-carrying behaviors in college-aged women and men. In Experiment 1, 500 college students carrying books were observed naturalistically and their body size noted. Results showed that book carrying is a gendered activity, with men and women using distinct styles of book carrying. Body size was not a significant influence. In Experiment 2, the influence of gender identification, self-esteem, and acculturation on book carrying behaviors was examined in laboratory with 100 students. Using the Bem Sex Role Inventory (Bern, 1975), the results showed that those with feminine gender identification scores preferred a different carrying style than participants with masculine gender identification scores. Also, each sex found their preferred style to be a more physically comfortable way to carry books. We found that acculturation and self-esteem were not significant influences on book carrying.








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Faculty sponsor: William Kelemen, California State University, Long Beach