Gender Bias Flashcards
What is gender bias?
The differential treatment or representation of men and women based on stereotypes rather than real differences
What is a alpha bias?
A tendency to exaggerate differences between men and women, suggesting that there are real and enduring differences between the two sexes.
What are the consequences of alpha biases in theories?
By using alpha biases in theories one gender tends to be devalued in comparison to the other, but typically the female gender is devalued
What is an example of an alpha bias? (psychodynamic explanation for female morality)
For example, Freud’s work often points out that in the phallic stage boys develop stronger superego (moral values) compared to girls because boys identify with their fathers
What is androcentrism?
The consequence of beta bias, occurs when all behaviour is compared to a male standard, often to the neglect/exclusion of women
What is an example of androcentrism? (PMS criticism + after affects)
PMS has been criticised by some as being a social construct, which trivialises female emotions, particularly anger. On the other hand, amle anger is seen as a logical response to external pressures
What is a beta bias?
A tendency to ignore or minimise differences between mena nd women.
What are the consequences of beta biases in theories?
Theories which have beta biases tend to ignore questions about the lives of women, or insights derived from studies of men will be made to equally apply to women
What is an example of beta bias? (milgram obedience)
For example, research carried out may have only used male participants, but the results tend to be generalised to both males and females. Milgram used all males in his sample when studying obedience but applied the findings to both males and females
What is a limitation of gender bias? (misleading assumptions + damaging consequences)
Gender biased research may create misleading assumptions, about female behaviour, as it fails to challenge negative stereotypes and validates discrimination. It provides scientific “justification” to deny womens’ opportunities in society. As a result, it becomes normal for women to be abnormal. Therefore, not only is gender bias a methodological issue but it also has damaging consequences which affect the lives and prospects of women
What is a limitation of gender bias? (lack of women in senior positions)
The lack of women in senior research positions means that female concerns may not be reflected in the research questions asked. Male researchers will also be more likely to have their work published than female researchers. Additionally in lab experiments women can be placed at a disadvantage. Women are placed in unbalanced relationships with (usually male) researchers who have the power to label them unreasonable, irrational and unable to complete tasks
What is a limitation of gender bias? (essentialist perspective + women ovaries)
Many gender differences are based on an essentialist perspective - that the gender differences are inevitable and fixed in nature. Walkerdine reported that in the 1930s ‘scientific’ research revealed how intellectual activity would shrivel women’s ‘ ovaries, harming their chances of giving birth. Such essentialist accounts in psychology are often politically motivated arguments disguised as biological ‘facts’
