Pursuing Desires Rather Than Duties? The Motivational Content of Gender Stereotypes

Abstract

In the current research we provide initial documentation of the motivational content of gender stereotypes. Drawing from regulatory focus theory (Higgins, 1987(Higgins, , 1997, we distinguish between whether traits are perceived to be motivated by ideals, including hopes, dreams, and aspirations, and oughts, including responsibilities, duties, and obligations. In two studies of U.S. Midwestern undergraduates, participants rated the extent to which the traits of men or women are motivated by ideals or oughts. Study 1 included 137 introductory psychology students who rated gender stereotypic traits (e.g., competitiveness for men; sensitivity for women); Study 2 included 118 introductory psychology students who rated gender stereotypic or counterstereotypic traits (e.g., competitiveness for women; sensitivity for men). In both Studies 1 and 2, we demonstrate that people perceive women as especially motivated by ideals rather than oughts but men as equivalently motivated by ideals and oughts. These patterns emerge regardless of trait stereotypicality. In Study 3, we examined the relationship between perceptions of role flexibility and the perception of ideal motivation using a sample of 214 introductory psychology students from the Midwestern U.S. We found evidence that ascriptions of ideal motivation are associated with perceptions of role flexibility, which are greater for women. We discuss the implications of these beliefs for the legitimization of the existing gendered social system.

A Cultural Psychological Model of Cross-National Variation in Gender Gaps in STEM Participation

“…Some readers may interpret the observation that greater opportunity to express personal preferences leads to more gender-stereotypical choices as evidence for natural or innate sex differences, such that men have a natural interest or ability in STEM pursuit that women may not inherently possess (e.g., Schmitt et al, 2008; Su et al, 2009). Furthermore, people often believe that women are motivated by wishes and aspirations rather than obligations and duties (Johnston & Diekman, 2015). Therefore, they may consider the roles that women undertake in the society to be a result of their own preferences (Johnston & Diekman, 2015).…”

“…Furthermore, people often believe that women are motivated by wishes and aspirations rather than obligations and duties (Johnston & Diekman, 2015). Therefore, they may consider the roles that women undertake in the society to be a result of their own preferences (Johnston & Diekman, 2015). However, without affirming or denying the possibility of innate, sex-linked differences in interests, cultural psychological perspectives emphasize the dynamic, sociocultural constitution of personal preference.…”

An Action Study on Psychological Empowerment of Turkish Women: Effect of Psychoeducation Program Which is Grounded Self-Awareness of Women

“…at the same time. 24 However, psychological empowerment is defined as intrinsic motivation that makes women capable of liberating themselves from gender roles. 7 Therefore, women should be allowed to carve out their own definition of being a woman.…”

Women’s Job Search Competence: A Question of Motivation, Behavior, or Gender

“…Therefore, our results have important theoretical and practical implications at the political level. The gender gap needs public support ( Johnston and Diekman, 2015 ); namely, the State must regulate and act to eliminate the gender gap, helping to develop effective intervention programs to employ women and promote gender equity.…”