Gender Bias - Types of gender bias Flashcards
state the types of gender bias
alpha bias
beta bias
define alpha bias
when the differences between men and women are exaggerated and over emphasised
define beta bias
when the differences between men and women are minimised, ignored or underestimated
What does alpha bias suggest?
theres a real difference between men and women
what does alpha bias devaluate?
devaluates one gender compared to the other (often women)
What does beta bias assume?
men and women are assumed to be more similar that they are
e.g an all male sample in research used to explain both sexes behaviour
What does beta bias therefore lead to in terms of female behaviour?
many descriptions of behaviour are based on male characteristics
therefore female behaviour can be judged as abnormal in comparison to the male standard
Example of alpha bias
Freuds theory
he devalued females by using males as the basis of comparison
how did Freud see femininity?
as failed masculinity
Why is Freuds theory as example of alpha bias?
he suggested since girls cannot experience castration anxiety and oedipus conflict , they form weaker identification with the mum
resulting is girls forming a weaker superego + sense of morality
examples of beta bias
fight or flight response
based on male responses (animals) because female hormones fluctuate
which bias devaluates one sex?
both
