Studies Comparing Women And Men Show Little Difference

Studies Comparing Women And Men Have Shown Little Difference In Their

Studies comparing women and men have shown little difference in their levels of conformity—except when their judgments are under surveillance. In some cases, men have been found to be less likely to conform when they knew their judgments would be made public (e.g., Eagly, Wood, & Fishbaugh, 1981). Consider what our major theoretical perspectives might tell us about such a difference. Why might this be the case? What other factors are related to a greater likelihood to conform publicly?

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Conformity is a fundamental aspect of social psychology that reflects individuals’ tendency to align their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of a group, often to gain social acceptance or reduce discomfort (Asch, 1951). Studies comparing gender differences in conformity have generally shown negligible differences between women and men; however, notable exceptions emerge when judgments are made under surveillance. Specifically, research indicates that men tend to be less conformist when their decisions are made public, contrasting with women who often maintain their conformity levels regardless of the visibility of their judgments (Eagly, Wood, & Fishbaugh, 1981). This pattern suggests underlying social, cultural, and psychological mechanisms influenced by gender roles and perceptions of social evaluation.

Major Theoretical Perspectives and Gender Differences in Public Conformity

Several major theoretical frameworks can help us interpret why men might exhibit less conformity in public settings. Social role theory posits that societal expectations shape gender behaviors, with women traditionally encouraged to be more agreeable, cooperative, and conforming (Eagly, 1987). These social norms foster a tendency for women to conform publicly to maintain social harmony and perceived societal expectations. Conversely, men are socialized to display independence, assertiveness, and dominance, which might lead them to resist conforming when their judgments are scrutinized publicly to preserve their autonomy and self-image (Eagly & Wood, 1991).

Additionally, the concept of self-presentation and impression management plays a crucial role. Men may be more sensitive to the desire to appear confident and self-reliant, especially in public. Thus, when their judgments are exposed, they may resist conforming to protect their self-presentation, reinforcing their masculine identity (Goffman, 1959). Women, on the other hand, may perceive conformity as aligned with social approval, and thus be more willing to conform publicly to maintain relational harmony and societal acceptance (Tucker & Charlebois, 1994).

Psychological Factors and Social Contexts Influencing Public Conformity

Other factors impacting public conformity include perceived social power, societal expectations, and cultural norms. Men often hold more social power and status within many societies, which may reinforce confidence in their judgments and decrease their likelihood to conform publicly. When faced with surveillance, these power dynamics may amplify the desire to demonstrate independence and resilience (Keltner, Gruenfeld, & Anderson, 2008).

Moreover, the presence of an audience can heighten self-awareness and anxiety, which differentially affects men and women based on gender norms. Men might experience increased pressure to appear competent and assertive, leading them to resist conforming in public. Conversely, women may experience motivation to conform to uphold social harmony and avoid conflict (Bond, 1997). Cultural factors further shape these tendencies, as collectivist societies emphasize group harmony and conformity more strongly, affecting both genders differently (Hofstede, 2001).

Additional Factors Associated with Greater Public Conformity

Apart from gender differences, numerous other factors influence public conformity. The size and unanimity of the group are critical; larger and unanimous groups exert greater normative pressure, increasing conformity (Asch, 1951). The importance of the task also matters—individuals are more likely to conform publicly when the task is ambiguous or when they perceive their judgments as less critical (Crutchfield, 1955).

Social identity and group membership further contribute to conformity patterns. When individuals identify strongly with a group, they tend to conform more openly to align with group norms and maintain group cohesion (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). The presence of authority figures can also heighten the likelihood of public conformity, especially if obedience is seen as normative within the specific context (Milgram, 1963). Personal factors such as self-esteem, confidence, and previous experiences with conformity also shape how likely individuals are to conform publicly.

Conclusion

In sum, gender differences in conformity under surveillance are influenced by social roles, norms, and perceptions of self-presentation rooted in societal expectations. Men tend to resist conformity when judged publicly to uphold notions of independence and dominance, whereas women are more inclined to conform publicly to maintain social harmony. These tendencies are further shaped by context, group dynamics, and cultural influences. Understanding these factors enriches our comprehension of conformity behaviors across different social settings and highlights the complexity of psychological and social influences on human behavior.

References

  1. Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgments. Groups, leadership, and men, 222-236.
  2. Bond, R. (1997). The social psychology of conformity: A review of studies using Asch’s (1951) paradigm. The British Journal of Social Psychology, 36(2), 21-36.
  3. Crutchfield, R. S. (1955). Conformity and personality. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 50(3), 563–566.
  4. Eagly, A. H. (1987). Sex differences in social behavior: A social-role interpretation. Erlbaum.
  5. Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (1991). Explaining sex differences in social behavior: A meta-analytic perspective. The American Psychologist, 46(9), 921–930.
  6. Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.
  7. Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage publications.
  8. Keltner, D., Gruenfeld, D. H., & Anderson, C. (2008). Power, approach, and inhibition. Psychological Review, 115(3), 471–488.
  9. Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371–378.
  10. Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In S. Worchel & W. G. Austin (Eds.), Psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 7-24). Nelson-Hall.

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