NCJ Number
89941
Journal
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 336-340
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study tested the hypothesis that assertion in women is perceived negatively only when it is inconsistent with the social role. Subjects (68 males and 72 females) rated audiotapes of police officers (male or female) interacting in a demanding or reasoning manner with a student (male or female).
Abstract
Results showed that regardless of the officer's behavior, female officers were perceived as more assertive, tenacious, and active than male officers. Demanding female officers were seen as less feminine than reasoning female officers, but male officers' masculinity was not affected by their behavior. Challenging a female officer was seen as more legitimate than challenging a male officer, and complying with her demands was seen as more of a failure. Tables and seven references are included. (Author abstract modified)