Sex Role Complementarity in Job Stereotypy

Abstract

The effects of gender and sex role on the perceived suitability of hypothetical job applicants for sex-typed jobs were investigated. Six descriptions of applicants were presented to 605 college students, who were asked to rank order them on suitability for different jobs. The questionnaire each student received had 5 applicants with masculine first names and 1 with a feminine first name. Results showed no main effect due to either job sex-type, sex role of applicants, or gender of either applicant or student-rater. Interactional analyses, however, showed that for specific applicant job pairings where male applicants were ranked differently than female applicants, a complementarity of gender and sex role was evident. Specifically, the applicant with stereotypically masculine traits was ranked high when presented as a woman, while the applicant with stereotypically feminine traits was ranked high when presented as a man. It is suggested that this interaction effect is best explained by positing that gender-related stereotypes are implicity generated and that they complement sex role characteristics of the other sex. Thus, a woman with male sex role characteristics, or a man with female sex role characteristics, is seen as more adaptable or well-rounded than applicants whose sex roles are consonant with their gender.

The good soldier: who is s(he)?

“…The ascription of different traits to males and females forms the foundation of gender stereotypes. There is considerable evidence of the persistence of gender stereotypes (e.g., Brenner et al, 1989;Eagly and Karau, 1991;Koenig, 1989;Norris and Wylie, 1993;Schein et al, 1989;Steinberg, 1990;Swann et al, 1999). These stereotypes intrude quite quietly into our lives, re¯ecting not only their pervasiveness, but also their virtual invisibility.…”

The Influence of Gender on the Performance of Organizational Citizenship Behaviors

“…In contrast, instrumental male behaviors include independence, proactivity, and self-confidence. There is considerable evidence of the persistence of gender stereotypes (e.g., Brenner, Tomkiewicz & Schein, 1989;Eagly & Karau, 1991;Koenig, 1989;Norris & Wylie, 1993;Schein, Mueller & Jacobson, 1989;Steinberg, 1990;Swann, Langlois & Gilbert, 1999). For instance, in a recent follow-up study on the persistence of gender role prescriptions, the authors found that traditional gender roles still were held by a significant number of subjects (Spence & Hahn, 1997).…”