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Maximizing Women's Motivation in Domains Dominated by Men: Personally Known Versus Famous Role Models
Claire Midgley1, Penelope Lockwood1, Lisa Y Hu1
1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Psychology of Women Quarterly
|May 11, 2023
Summary
Personally known role models, especially same-gender ones for women, are more motivating than famous ones in sports and STEM fields. This highlights the importance of accessible mentors for encouraging women in male-dominated areas.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Gender discrimination in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and sports has led to a scarcity of high-profile women.
- The impact of role models on motivation, particularly concerning gender matching and exemplar type (personally known vs. famous), requires further investigation.
- Understanding motivational influences is crucial for encouraging women's participation and success in male-dominated fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of gender matching in personally known and famous exemplars on women's and men's motivation in sport and STEM.
- To investigate whether personally known role models are more motivating than famous ones.
- To explore the mediating role of perceived attainability in the relationship between exemplar type, gender, and motivation.
Main Methods:
- Two studies (N=1,522) involving participants nominating famous or personally known individuals in sport or STEM.
- Participants rated the motivational qualities of the nominated role models.
- Mediation analyses were conducted to examine the role of perceived future selves and attainability.
Main Results:
- Both women and men reported higher motivation from personally known role models compared to famous ones.
- For famous exemplars, same-gender role models were most motivating for both women and men.
- Women were more motivated by same-gender personally known role models in sport, while men showed similar motivation for same- and other-gender personally known models.
Conclusions:
- Personally known role models are more effective motivators than famous ones, particularly for women in male-dominated fields.
- Same-gender role models are crucial for motivating women, especially when they are personally known.
- Findings suggest that accessible, relatable role models can enhance women's motivation and serve as a guide for educators and practitioners.
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