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Masculine defaults: Identifying and mitigating hidden cultural biases
Sapna Cheryan1, Hazel Rose Markus2
1Department of Psychology, University of Washington.
Psychological Review
|August 18, 2020
Summary
Masculine defaults, a subtle cultural bias, contribute to women's underrepresentation in male-dominated fields. Recognizing and addressing these gender-based norms is crucial for promoting gender equity in organizations.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Women remain underrepresented in many male-dominated fields and occupations.
- Existing research on bias has not fully addressed the concept of masculine defaults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and detail the concept of masculine defaults.
- To distinguish masculine defaults from other forms of bias.
- To explain how masculine defaults contribute to women's underrepresentation and discuss counteraction strategies.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and definition of masculine defaults.
- Distinction from previously studied biases.
- Discussion of organizational culture levels (ideas, policies, interactions, individuals).
Main Results:
- Masculine defaults are defined as cultural aspects valuing male gender roles as standard.
- These defaults contribute to women's underrepresentation by creating non-neutral environments.
- Counteracting masculine defaults requires multi-level organizational interventions.
Conclusions:
- Addressing masculine defaults is essential for increasing women's participation in male-dominated sectors.
- Interventions must target various levels of organizational culture.
- Overcoming these subtle biases is key to achieving gender equity.
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