Issues and debates - gender bias Flashcards
what is universality ?
an underlying characteristic of human beings that is capable of being applied to all despite differences in upbringing and experience
what is bias
a tendency to treat one individual or group in a different way from others
what is gender bias ?
psychological research or experience that does not justifiably represent the experience of men and women.
what does the representation of one gender only relate to ?
gender bias
what are three types of gender bias
alpha bias
beta bias
androcentrism- possible consequence of beta bias
what is alpha bias ?
psychological research that exaggerates or overestimates the differences between sexes.
alpha bias - what can the differences be described as ?
fixed and inevitable
Alpha bias
what are the differences likely to do in relation to females
devalue them
what is an example of alpha bias
the sociobiological theory -
sexual promiscuity in males is genetically determined whilst the females who engage in the same behaviour are regarded as going against their nature.
- shows exaggeration of differences between the sexes
what is beta bias ?
theories ignore or minimise the differences between the sexes. This usually occurs when only one sex has been included in research but results are applied to all
what is an example of beta bias ?
fight or flight response
early research into fight or flight was based exclusively on males - assumed to be universal response.
Taylor et al (2000)-
female biology evolved to inhibit fight or flight response.
attention is shifted to caring for offspring and forming defensive networks with females
what is androcentrism ?
male centred, when normal behaviour is judged according to a male standard (female behaviour is judged to be deficient or abnormal by comparison)
if female behaviour is pathologised what does this mean ?
taken as a sign of psychological instability or disorder
what is an example of androcentrism ?
pre menstrual syndrome
stereotypes and trivialises female experience
social construction - explains female emotions such as anger in hormonal terms
whereas male anger - rational response to external pressure
what are some problems associated with gender bias ?
discrimination
reinforcing stereotypes
inaccurate research
what is a negative impact of gender bias (damaging consequences)
gender bias can lead to misleading assumptions and negative stereotypes about female behaviour
male behaviour as standard - female behaviour is seen as abnormal
eg (PMS)
research may unknowingly lead to male dominated society. → opportunities for women decrease
impact - damaging consequences for women in real life
what is a positive impact of gender bias (more valid data)
number of criteria suggested by female commentators to ensure non biased research.
eg worrel (1992)
alternative methods of inquiry to explore the personal lives of women.
considering women in the natural setting in which they function
reduces investigator bias which may affect female behaviour → more valid data
what is a negative impact of gender bias (sexism)
gender bias may occur in research due to sexism
lack of women appointed at senior research levels.
females concerns not reflected
denmark et al → psychology may be guilty of supporting institutional sexism which causes bias
what is a positive impact of gender bias research (improve experience)
feminist psychology accepts there are biological differences between males and females
looks at how to reduce these
eagly 1978
females less effective leaders than males
development of training programmes → reduce the lack of female leaders
recognising gender bias can improve experiences.
