Gender bias

Question 1

Universality

Answer 1

• Universal = it means that it can apply to all people.
• Includes real differences.
• Gender:
• Theories that show the similarities and differences between males and females, without devaluing either.

Question 2

Bias and Gender bias

Answer 2

Bias-A distorted view of the world

Gender Bias-When research or theory offers a view that does not justifiably represent the experience or behaviour of men or women (usually women)

Question 3

Alpha Bias

Answer 3

In research, where differences are being exaggerated or overestimated. Differences are very real, enduring, fixed and inevitable.

Example-Sociobiological theory of relationship formation-explains human sexual attraction and behaviour through principles of survival ethicacy, males best interest to impregnate as many females as possible to pass on genes, females, wants to ensure healthy survival of few offspring produced, therefore more picky, male needs resources to protect her and offspring. Therefore sleeping around is genetically predetermined for males, and abnormal for females.

Question 4

Beta bias

Answer 4

-Differences between males and females are ignored or minimised

Example-fight or flight-early research based on male animals, assumed to be universal response to threatening situation. Recently research has shown females inhibit fight or flight response, instead females focus on caring and looking after offspring, and forming defensive networks with other females-befriend. Therefore early research ignored differences.

Question 5

Androcentrism

Answer 5

-Being centred on/dominated by males

-Having majority male psychologists-male views are ‘normal’ views. Anything that deviates is judged as abnormal.

Question 6

Strength-solution to gender bias

Answer 6

By developing a greater understanding of gender bias psychologists have put forward a number of solutions.

For example, some psychologists attempt to develop theories that emphasise the importance or value of women.

Cornwell et al. (2013) noted that females are better at learning, as they are more attentive and organised, thus emphasising both the value and the positive attributes of women.

As a result, this type of research helps to reduce or challenge gender stereotypes which is important in reducing gender bias.

Question 7

Strength-avoid beta bias

Answer 7

Another important reason for avoiding beta bias, or minimising differences, is that it has consequences for women.

On the positive side, equal treatment under the law as allowed women greater access to educational and occupational opportunities.

However, Hare-Mustin and Mareek Point out that arguing for equality between men and women draws attention away from women’s special-needs and from differences in power between men and women. In a society where one group holds most of the power, seemingly neutral actions end benefiting the group with power.

For example, equal parental leave ignores the biological demands of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, and the special needs of women, therefore disadvantaging women.

Question 8

Limitation-problems of gender bias in research

Answer 8

Gender-Biased research may create misleading assumptions about female behaviour and validate discriminatory practices
It may provide a scientific justification to deny women opportunities within the workplace or in wider society (e.g. because of PMS)
Gender Bias in research is not just a methodological problem but may have damaging consequences which affect the lives and prospects of real women.