Gender bias Flashcards
Alpha bias
The tendency to exaggerate gender differences
Beta bias
The tendency to minimise or ignore gender differences
Androcentrism
Viewing the world from a male point of view
Example of alpha bias
Evolutionary explanation
It may be that some women prefer to mate with many men and some men prefer to mate with few women, therefore it over-exaggerates the differences between males and females.
Example of beta bias
Zimbardo study
It ignores that there may be a difference in men and women as the study only involved men and whether they show de-individuation in the same way, which would create problems with generalising results from women to men.
How could we overcome gender bias?
•Use both genders as participants in the research
•Only apply the research findings to the population that was used in the research
•Reflexivity: the process of continual reflection upon the research process by a researcher; the idea of self-awareness
Gender bias creates and reinforces negative symptoms
P: Gender bias creates and reinforces stereotypes, often around female behaviour as we believe that men’s behaviour represents the norm and therefore any behaviour typical of women might be judged abnormal.
E: The evolutionary explanation of partner preference states that women should only mate with a few males and if they ‘go against their evolution’ and mate with lots of men, they may face ridicule.
T: This could therefore justify unfair treatment and discrimination of women, which is unfair.
There’s more male and female researchers
P: There are many more male than female researchers at a senior scientific level, manning the concerns of women are less likely to be addressed.
E: For example, the impact of periods can have on womens lives and treatment for them.
T: This therefore means there are less advances in these areas, such as treatments for menopause symptoms or changes in equality legislation, meaning women’s quality of life in poorer.
