Visser, A F (2023) Lay Judgements of Benevolent Sexism: What Factors play a Role when Perceiving Benevolent Sexism? Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
Abstract Aims: Although benevolent sexism is often phrased in a positive way, the effect of this form of sexism can have negative effects. However, because of its positive tone and disguise, benevolently sexist acts are often not labelled as ‘sexism’. This research aims to add to the existing literature on benevolent sexism by researching what factors influence lay judgements of benevolent sexism. This paper focuses on factors as perceived harm and perceived intent. Additionally, individual differences, namely age and political orientation are also discussed. This research aims to answer the following research question: To what extent do perceived harm, intent, and individual differences relate to lay judgements of benevolent sexism? Methods: A survey was conducted among participants who are 18 years and older. The questionnaire asked the above mentioned individual characteristics and then participants evaluated four scenarios describing a man uttering a benevolently sexist expression against a woman. The scenarios varied in terms of type of benevolent sexism (2 types: 1) offering unsolicited help, or 2) praising her feminine, communal traits) and setting (2 settings: work or social). Each participant was randomly assigned to rate two of the four scenarios in that, they always saw both types of benevolent sexism, but one was placed in a work setting and the other was placed in a social setting. Participants agreed or disagreed with statements about the scenario, indicating the perceived intent, perceived harm, moral wrongness and whether the behaviour as well as the actor could be defined as sexist. Additionally, participants had the possibility to share their thoughts on the scenario in an open-ended question, which were thematically analysed using a deductive approach. Results: The quantitative data proves that perceived intent did not influence the perceived level of sexism. There was a significant correlation between perceived harm and judgements of sexism. Additionally, political orientation influenced judgements of benevolent sexism, perceived harm, and moral wrongness, indicating that left-wing individuals perceived higher levels of sexism, harm, and moral wrongness. In some, but not all, scenarios age influenced the judgements of benevolent sexism. In the qualitative data for scenario 1 (work and social setting), intent and harm were often mentioned as a motivation for the judgements of the statement. In scenario 2 (work and social setting), these variables were mentioned less, but stereotypes were touched upon more frequently. In general, scenario 2 was more often seen as positive and a compliment in comparison to scenario 1. Conclusions: This study clarifies the variables affecting lay perspectives on benevolent sexism. It draws attention to the complexity of the situation, which also includes the roles of perceived intent, perceived harm, individual differences, and variations in judgements between scenarios and versions. Future study can help to improve the understanding of benevolent sexism and its effects on society by taking into account these elements and recognising the differences between academic and lay definitions of sexism. Keywords: Benevolent Sexism, Lay Judgements, Perceived Harm, Perceived Intent, Individual Characteristics, Political Orientation, Age
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Name supervisor: | Gul, P. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2023 10:03 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Sep 2023 10:03 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/290 |
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