Power and the creation of patronizing environments: the stereotype-based behaviors of the powerful and their effects on female performance in masculine domains

Theresa K Vescio; Sarah J Gervais; Mark Snyder; Ann Hoover

doi:10.1037/0022-3514.88.4.658

Power and the creation of patronizing environments: the stereotype-based behaviors of the powerful and their effects on female performance in masculine domains

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2005 Apr;88(4):658-72. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.88.4.658.

Authors

Theresa K Vescio¹, Sarah J Gervais, Mark Snyder, Ann Hoover

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 15796666
DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.88.4.658

Abstract

This work tested the following hypothesis: When powerful men stereotype their female subordinates in masculine domains, they behave in patronizing ways that affect the performance of their subordinates. Experiment 1 examined the stereotyping tendencies and patronizing behaviors of the powerful. Findings revealed that powerful men who stereotyped their female subordinates (i.e., those who were weakness focused) gave female subordinates few valued resources but much praise. In Experiment 2, low-power participants received resources (valued or devalued positions) and praise (high or low) from a powerful man. Subordinates who were assigned to a devalued position but received high praise (i.e., the patronizing behavior mirrored from Experiment 1) were angry. However, men performed better in the anger-inspiring situation, whereas women performed worse.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Anger
Discrimination, Psychological*
Female
Humans
Male
Power, Psychological*
Sex Factors
Social Behavior*
Social Environment*
Social Identification*
Stereotyping*