Men’s reactions to gender inequality in the workplace: From relative deprivation on behalf of women to collective action

Abstract

Over recent years, the role of men as women’s allies in the struggle for gender equality has become increasingly important. Previous research has shown that often men do not fight gender inequalities as they fail to recognize the severity of discrimination against women (e.g., in hiring). In this study (N = 427), we examined whether men who experienced relative deprivation on behalf of women—a form of relative deprivation that stems from the awareness that women hold a less privileged position in society—were more motivated to engage in collective action to support gender equality in the workplace. The findings showed that men’s feelings of deprivation on behalf of women were associated with a greater willingness to engage in collective action for gender equality. This relationship was sequentially mediated by two emotional reactions related to deprivation—increased guilt about gender inequalities and decreased fear of a potential backlash—and the moral conviction of acting for gender equality. These results suggest that men’s awareness of gender inequality at work is an important antecedent to their acting in solidarity with women and that emotions and moral conviction are two psychological processes that turn cognition into behavior. Action to reduce gender inequalities should make men more sensitive to seeing that they hold a privileged position in society and to recognizing the pervasive and harmful nature of women’s deprivation.

Turning ingroup wounds into bonds: perceptions of gender inequalities predict attitudes toward other minorities

“…In Italy, where the study was conducted, traditional gender stereotypes and patriarchy are still pervasive (e.g., ISTAT, 2019 ; Pagliaro et al, 2020 ; Mazzuca et al, 2022 ). In such a context, it seems likely that women who are aware of male domination—as most women in our sample—might easily identify patriarchal culture as a critical threat to them as well as to other groups accused of undermining traditional values or who openly fight against patriarchy, such as LGBTQIA+ people.…”

“…Group relative deprivation has been related to a greater willingness to act for social change (Smith et al, 2012 ; Agostini and van Zomeren, 2021 ; see also Mazzuca et al, 2022 ) but also to more negative attitudes toward outgroups (Moscatelli et al, 2014 ; Anier et al, 2016 ). Pettigrew et al ( 2008 ), analyzing data from different European countries, showed that the more individuals reported feelings of being relatively deprived as citizens of their countries, the more they exhibited prejudice against immigrants.…”

Commitment to inclusion: The importance of collaboration in gender equity work

“…Men with more knowledge about gender inequities at their institution are more likely to actively support efforts to advance women. 56 …”

“… 61 – 63 Research on factors that encourage or discourage an early career woman from choosing a leadership path could identify strategies to recruit talented women into leadership and, if needed, adjust the existing and future leadership environment to be more welcoming to women. Although some research has been conducted on encouraging men to take action against gender inequity, 56 , 64 effectively shifting the culture of academic medicine toward equity will require focused work on creating shared ownership among leaders of all genders with longitudinal outcomes. These efforts should also include supporting URiM faculty.…”