Masculine Defaults and Social Role Theory
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Masculine Defaults and Social Role Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is a potential consequence of placing the responsibility for inclusion on underrepresented groups?

  • It promotes systemic change.
  • It guarantees equal representation in the workplace.
  • It overlooks systemic and structural factors. (correct)
  • It enhances the experiences of all individuals equally.
  • Which outcome is most likely from a focus on individual mobility rather than systemic change?

  • A more equitable workplace for all groups.
  • A significant reduction in identity threats.
  • The status quo remains effectively unchanged. (correct)
  • Increased diversity of thought and experience.
  • Why might privilege be a characteristic of certain minority groups in the workplace?

  • They have a stronger desire for systemic change.
  • They frequently challenge the structures of power.
  • They benefit most from initiatives promoting diversity. (correct)
  • They often define quality based on majority group standards.
  • How does the identity threat manifest for minority group members?

    <p>By adhering to majority group definitions of quality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for making diversity initiatives successful?

    <p>Implementing inclusion strategies focused on belonging.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor contributing to the lack of fit for early career female academics?

    <p>Agentic traits being seen as negative</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does 'lack of fit' operate as a self-fulfilling prophecy among academics?

    <p>Academics expect failure and seek opportunities outside of academia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What coping strategy is NOT mentioned as a way to deal with identity threat?

    <p>Active job market participation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between occupational stereotypes and ambitious self-descriptions in academics?

    <p>Higher academic positions tend to correlate with stronger agentic self-descriptions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group is primarily affected by the masculine default in occupational stereotypes?

    <p>Early career female academics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is identity threat primarily associated with?

    <p>Being part of a stigmatized group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following coping strategies involves limiting the display of one's true identity?

    <p>Hiding or concealing part of one's identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are interventions aimed at boosting motivation in underrepresented groups sometimes problematic?

    <p>They often reinforce existing stereotypes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'masculine defaults' refer to in the workplace?

    <p>Behaviors associated with the male gender role that are regarded as normal and valiant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does social role theory classify women and men in the workplace?

    <p>Women are expected to be communal; men are expected to be agentic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of the 'motherhood penalty' in comparison to the 'fatherhood bonus'?

    <p>Working mothers are perceived as less competent than their male counterparts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What commonly contributes to the 'role incongruity' that women may experience at work?

    <p>The belief that women should display agentic traits like assertiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the ideal worker norm in an organization?

    <p>The emphasis on long working hours and competitiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of institutional communication that reflects masculine defaults?

    <p>The lack of paid parental leave policies for both genders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does intersectionality impact the backlash experienced by women in the workplace?

    <p>Ethnicity-specific gender roles influence the intensity and nature of backlash.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of symbolic communication reinforcing masculine defaults?

    <p>'Manels' featuring panels exclusively comprised of men.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Masculine Defaults

    • Definition: Behaviors, norms, and values associated with the male gender role are seen as standard, normal, and necessary, disadvantaging women.
    • Examples:
      • Ideas: Meritocracy, where "the best" often reflects masculine qualities.
      • Institutions: Gender-neutral policies like tenure clock stoppage benefit men more.
      • Interactions: Ideal worker norms, masculine language in job ads.
      • Individuals: Assertiveness, self-promotion, competitiveness, brilliance.

    Social Role Theory

    • Expectations:
      • Women: Communal, caring, collaborative.
      • Men: Agentic, self-confident, competitive, performance-oriented.
    • Normative Nature: Gender roles become "shoulds" and reinforce the gender hierarchy.
    • Workplace Impact for Women: Role incongruity between their expected gender role and work role.

    Backlash

    • Low Expectations: Women need to constantly prove themselves.
    • "Gender Trouble": Agentic women face backlash for not conforming to feminine norms.
    • Intersectionality: Backlash varies based on ethnicity and specific gender role expectations.

    Motherhood Penalty/Fatherhood Bonus

    • Discrimination: Mothers face penalties while fathers benefit from having children.

    Communicated on Different Levels

    • Institutional:
      • Performance assessments emphasizing masculine norms.
      • Limited paid parental leave.
      • Lack of gender-neutral facilities.
    • Symbolic:
      • Manels (panels of all men).
      • Images of successful white men.
      • "Daddy days" (emphasizing men's involvement).

    Lack of Fit

    • Lack of Agentic Traits: Women in academia (especially early career) may not fit the agentic model.
    • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Women often expect to fail and seek opportunities outside academia.
    • Consequences:
      • Less effective for women to be agentic.
      • Dissuades early academics (both men and women) from pursuing academia.

    Identity Threat

    • Definition: The psychological threat felt by individuals from the devaluation of their group.
    • Triggers:
      • Underrepresentation.
      • Stigmatization and devaluation.
      • Emphasis on dominant group traits.
    • Consequences:
      • Reinforces stereotypes.
      • Leads individuals to question their abilities.

    Coping Strategies

    • Hiding/Concealing Identities: Passing and code-switching.
    • Self-Group Distancing: 'Résumé whitening'.
    • Finding Solace: Connecting with others within the stigmatized group.
    • Resisting: Challenging stereotypes and seeking collective action.

    Fix the Individual vs. Fix the System

    • "Fix the Individual" Approach:
      • Focuses on individual skills and motivations.
      • Problematic: No clear evidence base, blames the victim, overlooks systemic issues.
    • "Fix the System" Approach:
      • Creates opportunities for authenticity and belonging.
      • Requires changing institutions, symbols, and experiences.

    Diversity vs. Inclusion

    • Diversity Alone is Insufficient: A diverse workforce doesn't automatically lead to diverse perspectives and experiences.
    • Ideal Worker Norms: Based on majority group traits, leading to identity threat for minorities.
    • Coping Strategies: May lead to minorities fitting in rather than contributing unique perspectives.
    • True Inclusion: Questioning and changing defaults.
    • Creating Opportunities: For authenticity and belonging.

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    Description

    Explore the concepts of masculine defaults and social role theory as they pertain to gender roles in society. This quiz examines how societal expectations shape behaviors and norms for men and women, and the implications on workplace dynamics, including the backlash women face in professional settings.

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