This invention relates to emulsion type adhesive compositions which include a metal neutralized sulfonated elastomeric co or terpolymer, wherein the neutralized sulfonated copolymer has about 5 to about 250 meq. of neutralized sulfonate groups per 100 grams of the neutralized sulfonated copolymer, and less than about 200 parts by weight of a hydrocarbon resin of a petroleum or coal tar distillate, having about 5 to 6 carbon atoms, the hydrocarbon resin being composed of aliphatic dienes and monoolefins per 100 parts by weight of the neutralized sulfonated co or terpolymer.