Processes, correlates, and effects of gender-related stereotypes as they relate to aspects of gender identity.

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

Research on stereotype endorsement and perpetuation illuminates the consequences of prejudice and discrimination. Aspects of gender identity reveal important information about subscription to gender stereotypes because individuals make judgements about appropriate behavior based on exposure to stereotypes (Martin & Halverson, 1981). This symposium provides insight into the process and effects of stereotype endorsement by examining the relation between stereotypes and aspects of gender identity including perceived pressure to conform to gender norms and gender typicality (i.e., perceived similarity to own or other gender).

Paper 1 investigated the unique relation between mothers’ and fathers’ stereotypical beliefs and their elementary-aged children’s gender identities. Results indicated that parental homophobic attitudes differentially related to child outcomes. Paper 2 investigated how stereotypes are utilized to enact discrimination: when an elementary-aged child perceived a peer as gender atypical, they were inclined to bully or avoid them. Paper 3 analyzed gender typicality as a moderator of the relation between pressure to conform to gender norms and weight/appearance stereotypes of 6-11 year-old girls. Girls who felt more pressure to conform to gender stereotypes were more likely to endorse anti-fat stereotypes. Paper 4 analyzed trends across five samples (elementary to college-aged) to illustrate the relation between pressure to conform to stereotypes and stereotype endorsement at different ages. Pressure to conform and stereotype endorsement were positively correlated and both pressure and endorsement decreased over time. Collectively, these papers increase understanding of the development and effect of stereotypes by probing aspects of individual gender identity development.

Sub Unit

• Sex, Gender

Chairs

• Matthew G Nielson, New York University Abu Dhabi

• Christia Spears Brown, University of Kentucky

Individual Presentations

• Parents’ Sexism, Homophobia, and Religiosity Attitudes in Relation to Children’s Gender Typicality and Felt Pressure - Presenting Author: Kingsley Schroeder, Springfield College, Springfield, MA; Non-Presenting Author: Lynn S Liben, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

• Children’s Prejudice Toward Gender Non-Conformity - Presenting Author: Rachel Cook, California State University - San Bernardino; Non-Presenting Author: Carol Lynn Martin, Arizona State University

• Gender Identity, Weight Bias, and Appearance Stereotypes in Young Girls - Presenting Author: Sarah Savoy, Stephen F. Austin State University; Non-Presenting Author: Flora Farago, Stephen F. Autstin University

• A Cohort Sequential Look at the Development of Gender Typicality and Pressure to Conform to Gender Norms over Time - Presenting Author: Matthew G Nielson, New York University Abu Dhabi; Non-Presenting Author: Carol Lynn Martin, Arizona State University