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Popularity and Gender Prototypicality: An Experimental Approach
Margaret Kleiser1, Lara Mayeux2
1Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, 455W. Lindsey Street, Norman, OK, 73019, USA. m.l.kleiser@ou.edu.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
|November 6, 2020
Summary
Adolescent popularity is linked to how well individuals conform to gender stereotypes in appearance and interests. This study found that gender prototypicality significantly influences perceived peer popularity among adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Studies
Background:
- Limited theories exist on adolescent peer popularity development.
- Peer popularity is often linked to physical attractiveness and gender-based expectations.
- Gender prototypicality, conforming to gender norms, is a potential factor in popularity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the theory that popularity is associated with gender prototypicality in adolescents.
- To investigate how gender-typical and gender-atypical characteristics influence perceived popularity.
- To explore the relationship between appearance, interests, and peer acceptance.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted with first-year college students.
- Participants rated photographs, vignettes, and social media profiles of adolescents.
- Stimuli depicted varying levels of gender prototypicality in appearance and interests.
- A popularity priming condition was compared to a neutral control.
Main Results:
- Gender prototypicality in appearance was positively associated with popularity.
- Gender prototypicality in interests was also positively associated with popularity.
- Adolescents perceived gender-typical individuals as more popular.
Conclusions:
- Gender prototypicality, in both appearance and interests, is a significant correlate of adolescent peer popularity.
- Findings support the theory linking gender conformity to social standing in adolescence.
- Future research should further explore the developmental trajectory of popularity and gender expression.
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