Evaluation Biases Regarding Gender Norm Violators

Abstract

People who fail to conform to gender norms are often the subject of prejudice and ostracism. It was hypothesized that resume applicants who violated gender norms in multiple categories (facial appearance and communication style) would be perceived as less competent and likable than those who conform to norms in one or both of those categories. One hundred fifty-six (N = 156) introductory psychology students from the University of Michigan – Dearborn were given resumes and asked to rate the competency and likability of the job applicants. The resumes differed on their listed sex (Male or Female), profile picture (Masculinized or Feminized), and communication style (Agentic or Communal). A three-way ANOVA was used to analyze the results, which failed to support the hypothesized negative reaction to gender norm violators. The three-way interaction between sex, profile picture, and communication style was not significant for ratings of competency (p = .81) nor for likability (p = .99). A significant two-way interaction between profile picture and communication style for ratings of competency was found (p = .05). Masculinized communal resumes were rated as significantly more competent than feminized communal resumes (p = .045), and feminized agentic resumes were marginally significantly more competent than feminized communal resumes (p = .10). This could suggest that androgynous individuals are perceived as more competent than gender norm conforming individuals. Future research should explore reactions to different indicators of gender norm conformity.