The Structure of Significant Other Influence on Status Aspirations: Black-White Variations

Abstract

Previous research on the social psychological dimensions of status attainment underscores the importance of significant other influence (SOI) as an explanatory variable. However, research to date is characterized by three features requiring further consideration: (1) the continued use of a priori definitions of who are key significant others (SOs); (2) inadequate specification of the relative influence of definers and models; and, (3) the differential effects of SOI on status aspirations for black and white youth. There is a needfor research which directly identifies the structure of SOI, both in terms of role incumbents and mode of influence, for both racial groups. This research addresses this need by analyzing data collected using a modified version of the Wisconsin Significant-Other Battery which elicited from a sample of black and white male youth the identities of SOs. The findings reveal differences between blacks and whites regarding the structure of their interpersonal matrices and identify problems inherent in using a priori measures of SOI.