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  • Journal of Applied Social Psychology

Backlash Against Male Elementary Educators

By: Corinne A. Moss-Racusin and Elizabeth R. Johnson
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Abstract

We investigated the existence, nature, and processes underscoring backlash (social and economic penalties) against men who violate gender stereotypes by working in education, and whether backlash is exacerbated by internal (vs. external) behavioral attributions. Participants (N = 303) rated one of six applications for an elementary teaching position, identical apart from target gender and behavioral attribution type. Male applicants were rated as more likely to be gay, posing a greater safety threat, and less likeable (but not less hireable) than identical female applicants. Perceived sexuality and threat mediated target gender differences in likeability. Unexpectedly, behavioral attributions did not interact with target gender, suggesting that providing internal attributions may not exacerbate men's backlash. Implications for backlash theory and education gender disparities are discussed.

Keywords

Backlash Theory; Gender Stereotypes; Teaching; Early Childhood Education; Gender

Citation

Moss-Racusin, Corinne A., and Elizabeth R. Johnson. "Backlash Against Male Elementary Educators." Journal of Applied Social Psychology 46, no. 7 (July 2016): 379–393.
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