Handle With Care: The Effects of Benevolent Sexism on Christian Cross-Sex Friendships

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of benevolent sexism on cross-sex friendships among evangelical Christians. This study consisted of 13 male and 13 female participants, with ages ranging from 25 to 59 ( M = 35.77, SD = 10.86). We analyzed interviews using grounded theory methodology. Results indicated that Christians hold gender-based assumptions that are consistent with benevolent sexism. These benevolently sexist assumptions create a self-reinforcing, dynamic barrier, “The Wall,” that negatively impacts Christians’ cross-sex friendships. Finally, findings indicate that Christians engage in various “wall-management behaviors” to navigate this barrier, and that these behaviors may inadvertently reinforce The Wall. Findings highlight a need for exploring sexist attitudes and behaviors among evangelical Christians. These findings also have implications for Christian friendships, for clinical work, for further research, and for community intervention.