Power and the evaluation of agentic women

Ann E Hoover, Purdue University

Abstract

This research examined the effect of high- and low-power roles on the backlash effect (i.e., judging agentic women as less hirable than agentic men). Across 3 experiments, male participants evaluated résumés from male and female job candidates applying for a managerial position. In Experiments 1 and 2, low-power men were more likely to engage in backlash—rating the female applicant as less hirable and recommending a lower salary for her—compared to high-power and baseline participants. Experiment 3 explored the role of threat in this effect. A self-affirmation manipulation provided some indirect evidence that backlash may have served to alleviate gender-identity threat. When low-power male participants self-affirmed, there was no evidence of backlash. Results are discussed in terms of different processes that may produce backlash for high- and low-power men.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Wegener, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Womens studies

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