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On gender role violations and judgments made about euthanasia: a research note
1Department of Psychology, Stetson University, De Land, FL 32720, USA. CNance@suvaxl.stetson.edu
The Journal of Social Issues
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Gender role perceptions did not influence judgments of euthanasia. Researchers found that whether a deadly act was perceived as justified, or labeled euthanasia, was not affected by the actor's gender, contrary to predictions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Gender Studies
- Ethics
Background:
- The concept of euthanasia involves ending suffering.
- Societal perceptions of gender roles may influence judgments of actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if perceived gender role violations affect the labeling of a deadly act as euthanasia.
- To determine if the gender of the actor influences the justification of ending suffering.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with 486 undergraduate participants.
- Participants evaluated a deadly act, with actor gender and action method (commission vs. omission) as variables.
Main Results:
- Perceptions of justification for a deadly act were influenced by commission versus omission.
- Contrary to predictions, the gender of the actor did not significantly impact the justification or euthanasia labeling of the act.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence that gender role expectations influenced judgments of euthanasia.
- Action method (commission/omission) played a role in justification, but actor gender did not.